A sociopolitical group, the Kwara Progressive Coalition, has strongly cautioned the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against ignoring internal grievances arising from the recent governorship primary election that produced the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for 2027.
In a press statement signed by its Coordinator, Yunusa Ibrahim, the coalition emphasized that the public interventions and concerns raised by the Kwara State APC Elders Caucus regarding the primary process carry significant weight. The group noted that these elders represent the foundational pillars of the party who have dedicated decades to building political structures, nurturing progressive causes, and safeguarding democratic institutions within the state.
According to Ibrahim, the elders’ position validates a quiet but widespread dissatisfaction felt by party faithful, grassroots leaders, and dedicated mobilizers across the three senatorial districts.
The coalition expressed deep concern over the manner in which critical decisions were made, warning that a growing number of committed members feel entirely excluded from processes that directly shape the political destiny of Kwara State.
The statement reminded the ruling party that the APC originally emerged as a progressive movement anchored on inclusion over exclusion, participation over imposition, and fairness over arbitrariness. The coalition noted that these core principles must remain non-negotiable, particularly during crucial political succession periods. Drawing from historical political trends, the group warned that dominant parties are rarely defeated by external opposition until they are first weakened internally by unresolved grievances, perceived injustices, and avoidable factional divisions.
The coalition clarified that the dissatisfied individuals are not opposition elements but loyal APC foot soldiers who defended the platform when victory was uncertain and consistently delivered electoral success. Dismissing their concerns as mere bitterness, the group argued, would be a mistake. Instead, they noted that true leadership requires extensive consultation, active listening, and a genuine commitment to reconciliation, urging the state leadership to prioritize long-term party viability over short-term political calculations.
Concluding the statement, the Kwara Progressive Coalition respectfully appealed to the APC National Chairman, the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Committee (NEC), and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to intervene. They urged the national leadership to look closely into the issues raised by the elders to restore confidence, reinforce democratic principles, and ensure the party enters the 2027 election cycle as a cohesive, unified front.
The group stressed that political dominance is not sustained through imposition, but through trust, fairness, and true legitimacy.