By Aliyu Ndakpako Jubril
As the political conversation ahead of the 2027 governorship election gathers momentum, many voices from Kwara North have continued to demand that the region should produce the next Governor of Kwara State in the name of equity, justice, and fairness. On the surface, such demand appears reasonable. However, a deeper look into the internal politics of Kwara North exposes a troubling contradiction; one that questions the sincerity of the region’s agitation.
How can a region that continuously speaks of fairness at the state level fail to practice the same fairness within its own constituency?
The glaring example is the persistent marginalization and exclusion of Moro Local Government, one of the constituent local governments in Kwara North. For years, Moro has remained politically sidelined while other local governments in the district continue to rotate and dominate major elective and appointive positions.
If Kwara North truly believes in justice and power balancing, why has Moro been left behind? Why is Moro remembered only during elections, but ignored when offices, opportunities, and representation are being shared?
The demand for governorship based on equity loses moral weight when the same advocates of fairness deny justice to one of their own. Equity begins at home. A people who cannot be fair internally cannot convincingly preach fairness externally.
A review of political history within Kwara North clearly shows that four local governments have enjoyed repeated access to power and privilege, to the exclusion of Moro local government, which is the largest in terms of political wards.
Baruten has produced a Senator, House of Representatives member, Minister, and several other top office holders.
Kaiama has produced House of Representatives members, Senators, and other notable political leaders.
Patigi has produced Senators, House of Representatives members, Ambassadors, and other appointees.
Edu has produced a Governor, Senators, House of Representatives members, and numerous other beneficiaries of political power.
What then is the crime of Moro? Why must Moro remain on the waiting list while others repeatedly take their turns? Why should Moro continue to be treated as politically irrelevant in a zone where it is constitutionally equal to every other local government?
If Kwara North seeks the support of the larger Kwara electorate for the governorship in 2027, then it must first cleanse itself of internal injustice. It must show evidence of fairness by recognizing and including Moro Local Government in its political calculations.
No region can successfully campaign for justice while practicing exclusion. No political bloc can demand equity from others while denying it to its own people.
The truth is simple; if Kwara North cannot be fair to Moro, it lacks the moral justification to demand fairness from the rest of Kwara State.
The road to 2027 should therefore begin, not with loud agitation, but with sincere introspection. Let Kwara North first practice the justice it preaches. Let it give Moro its rightful place. Only then can its call for governorship carry the credibility it seeks.