The race for the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial ticket in Kwara State took a dramatic turn on Friday, as a frontline aspirant,Captain Ahmad Mahmoud, officially rescinded his earlier withdrawal from the race.
Mahmoud had recently stepped down his ambition in support of the governor’s anointed successor, Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, citing party loyalty and respect for the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
However, in a swift policy reversal, the aviation expert turned politician declared that he is fully back in the primary contest, a development that effectively shatters early permutations of a smooth, solo run for the newly anointed successor.
In an official statement titled “Reclaiming the Mandate of Progress: Official Statement of Re-entry into the Kwara State Gubernatorial Race,” Mahmoud revealed that his decision to return to the ballot followed an intense, passionate groundswell of appeals from critical party stakeholders, youth coalitions, and elders across the 16 local government areas.
He maintained that the dynamics of the Kwara political landscape necessitate a robust democratic contest to properly preserve the progressive footprints of the current administration.
“Leadership demands the humility to listen when the people speak,” Mahmoud stated.
“After deep reflection, intense strategic re-evaluation, and further wide-ranging consultations, I hereby formally rescind the earlier statement of withdrawal. I am fully, resolutely, and officially back in the race for the APC Gubernatorial ticket of Kwara State.” He added.
Mahmoud emphasized that his re-entry is anchored on a profound sense of duty to institutionalize and expand the Otoge transformation and structural revolutions introduced by Governor AbdulRazaq.
He noted that while he holds Ambassador Seriki in high esteem, a robust contest of ideas within the ruling party would strengthen its internal democracy and make the party more formidable ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The aspirant assured his campaign team and delegates that their march to the state house has resumed with renewed vigor, offering the party’s delegates a comprehensive choice centered on stability, executive capacity, and continuity.