The lingering crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has taken a fresh turn, with the party reportedly considering disciplinary action, including the suspension of some prominent chieftains over alleged anti-party activities, opposition to its candidates and suspected political collaboration with opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Those who could face disciplinary action include former Senator representing Kwara Central, Dr Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe; Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari; former governorship aspirant, Chief Dele Belgore, SAN; and Senator Oyelola Ashiru, who represents Kwara South Senatorial District.
The development comes amid growing tension and internal disagreements within the ruling party over the outcome of its governorship primary, which produced the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, as its candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
Beyond the disagreements over the governorship ticket, there are growing fears and apprehension within the APC structure in Kwara under the leadership of Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the 2027 elections approach. The growing political activities and expanding influence of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the state have reportedly heightened concerns among APC stakeholders about the party’s preparedness and electoral prospects.
The party is said to be examining the activities of some influential members who, despite retaining their APC membership, are allegedly involved in actions considered capable of undermining its candidates and political interests.
Particular attention has been drawn to The O’To Ge Progressives (TOP), a political coalition that emerged from the G15 group of aggrieved APC aspirants and other party stakeholders following disagreements over the party’s internal arrangements and governorship succession process.
Other prominent APC figures associated with the wider coalition and its activities include Senator Sadiq Umar, representing Kwara North; former Kwara APC Chairman, Dr Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa; businessman and political figure, Lukman Mustapha; former Senator Suleiman Makanjuola Ajadi; and businessman Sheriff Shagaya.
The activities of some members of the group, particularly in relation to the party’s candidates and political direction, are reportedly attracting attention within the APC leadership, with concerns that the disagreements could further deepen divisions in the party ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The party is said to be weighing its disciplinary options, including the suspension of those found to have breached its constitution or engaged in activities considered detrimental to its electoral interests.
The APC constitution provides mechanisms for addressing grievances and resolving internal disputes. Party stakeholders are therefore urging the leadership to ensure that all grievances are addressed through recognised internal channels and that members remain bound by the party’s rules and decisions.
The party cannot afford to allow personal political ambitions and disagreements over elective tickets to undermine its structures at a time when the PDP is intensifying its political engagement and consolidating its presence across Kwara State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party loyalty, stakeholders maintain, must be demonstrated through actions and not merely by continued possession of APC membership cards, adding that the collective interest of the party must remain paramount.