The Kwara South APC Elders Caucus, the apex political body of the ruling party in the senatorial district has formally endorsed Senator Sadiq Sulaiman Umar (3SU)for the office of Governor.
The endorsement took place on Friday, during a high-stakes Town Hall Meeting held at the Offa Descendants Union (ODU) Hall which also served as a mobilization platform for the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking at the gathering, Chairman of the Kwara South APC Elders Caucus, Elder JB Ayeni in his remarks delivered a historic goodwill message that centered on justice and regional fairness.
He highlighted a stark imbalance in the state’s leadership history since 1999 noting that Kwara Central has governed for 20 years in office, Kwara South 8 years in office while Kwara North recorded 0 years in office.
“For close to 28 years, Kwara North Senatorial District has been denied the opportunity to occupy the highest office,” Elder Ayeni stated.
“This prolonged marginalization has challenged the very principles of fairness and inclusion. Senator Sadiq Umar is the bridge between exclusion and inclusion.” He added.
Elder Ayeni revealed that the decision to support a Kwara North candidate was not a recent development. He noted that on December 26, 2024, traditional rulers from across Kwara South gathered in Ajase-Ipo to unanimously endorse the North for the 2027 seat. Friday’s declaration, he said, was a re-echoing of that royal mandate by the political class.
The meeting drew a large crowd of stakeholders from the Ibolo, Igbomina, and Ekiti axis of Kwara South.
Lending his voice, Prof. Abiodun Afolayan charged the people to return President Tinubu for a second term and elect Sen. Umar to sustain Governor AbdulRazaq’s legacy.
On his part, Alhaji Abdulmumin Katibi (Former Commissioner for Water Resources) urged party faithful to mobilize for the forthcoming direct primaries ensuring the success of the duo.
Adding to the discourse, Alhaji Abdul-lateef Adebowale Adedeji (Former GM, Radio Kwara), canvassed for the Senator on the basis of professional competence and national exposure urging stakeholders to rally round his candidacy.
Senator Sadiq Umar, a successful pharmacist, currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Business. Stakeholders at the event described him as a symbol of merit and justice, citing his seven-year track record in the National Assembly as proof of his capacity to lead the state.
The event featured goodwill messages from big-wigs across the local governments of the South, including Chief Olatunji Tajudeen (Oyun), Chief Ayobola Samuel (Ekiti), Chief Bisi Oloruntoba (Isin), Prof. Olaitan Bashir (Irepodun) and Chief Mrs. Oluyemiso (Oke-Ero).
The consensus among the speakers was that an alliance with Kwara North is a moral obligation that will establish a lasting rotational arrangement, ensuring no part of the state is ever sidelined again.
9japarrot reports that by aligning the gubernatorial aspiration of Senator Sadiq Umar with President Tinubu’s re-election bid, the Kwara South Elders have sent a clear signal that they intend to consolidate the party’s power through a strategy of regional equity and national loyalty.
