The Ilorin Emirate Political Advisory Council (IEPAC), the apex body of elders and stakeholders in Kwara Central, has officially declared its political direction for the 2027 general elections, unanimously endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term and Senator Saliu Mustapha for the governorship of Kwara State.
The resolutions were contained in a press release issued on Wednesday, signed by the National Coordinator, Alhaji (Dr.) Yakub Yahaya Oloriegbe, and the National Secretary,Lt. Col. Abubakar Edun (rtd).
According to the Council, the decisions were reached after a careful deliberation and assessment of the current political landscape and the performance of key officeholders.
IEPAC noted that its endorsement of President Tinubu was based on a critical assessment of his administration’s performance over the last three years, particularly the opportunities extended to the Kwara Central Senatorial District.
“We believe the President deserves another four years to consolidate on the milestones achieved so far,” the statement read, affirming that the Ilorin Emirate is prepared to deliver its votes en bloc to support the President’s re-election.
On the home front, the Council identified Distinguished Senator Saliu Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin, as its preferred choice to succeed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in 2027.
The elders cited Mustapha’s “wide acceptability, maturity, experience, and exposure” as the primary reasons for their backing. They expressed confidence in his capacity to govern the state “justly, fairly, competently, and with the fear of God.”
While making its position clear, the Council emphasized that the endorsement of Senator Mustapha does not shut the door on other aspirants.
“We wish to make it unequivocally clear that this endorsement does not in any way preclude other aspirants from exercising their legitimate rights to contest,” IEPAC stated.
“Rather, it reflects our considered position based on prevailing realities and our collective judgment of what best serves the interest of the Emirate and the state at this time.” They added.
The Council urged the political class across major parties in Kwara State to align with these choices in the interest of “unity, stability, and progress.”
The group further pledged to continue monitoring political developments to identify and support other candidates for various offices who are capable of sustaining the achievements of the incumbent Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON.
The statement concluded by reaffirming that the Ilorin Emirate remains an accommodating and inclusive district that expects to maintain a frontline position in the political architecture of the state based on its pre-eminence and electoral weight.