The Kwara Central Advancement Elders’ Forum, comprising card-carrying members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Asa, Ilorin West, Ilorin East, and Ilorin South Local Government Areas, has publicly distanced itself from recent claims by a group identifying as “Kwara Central APC Elders” over the 2027 gubernatorial zoning debate.
Speaking during a press conference held today at the NUJ Press Centre in Ilorin, Arch. Akanbi Lamidi, who addressed the media on behalf of the Forum, reaffirmed the group’s unwavering support for the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, CON, Sardauna Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate. He praised the Governor’s visionary and inclusive governance, noting that Kwara Central remains the state’s most politically active and populous district, contributing over 40% of the total voting population.
Arch. Lamidi expressed shock over statements attributed to a self-acclaimed group purportedly endorsing Kwara North for the 2027 governorship, describing such declarations as misleading and lacking legitimacy.
“While individuals are free to support any aspirant of their choice, no one holds the mandate to speak on behalf of Kwara Central without broad consultation,” he stated.
“Claims of a 2019 zoning agreement are false and unsubstantiated. Let those making such assertions provide evidence, who signed it, where, when, and for which party?”
He further emphasized that the future of Kwara APC must not be jeopardized by divisive politics, urging party members to uphold unity and avoid sentiments that could fracture the party’s hard-earned stability under Governor Abdulrazaq’s leadership.
The Forum called on the APC at both state and national levels to disregard what they termed as premature and unrepresentative endorsements, urging them to remain focused on consolidation and capacity-driven leadership.
“Kwara belongs to all of us, regardless of ethnic or religious background. Leadership should not be gifted based on regional agitation, but earned through performance, loyalty, and popular acceptance,” Lamidi said.
The Forum also challenged narratives of marginalization in Kwara North, citing prominent political figures from the region who have held key positions, including a former Governor, Deputy Governor, Minister, Ambassador, and Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
Furthermore, the stakeholders highlighted developmental strides achieved across Kwara North under the current administration such as road construction, rural electrification, water access, healthcare upgrades, school renovations, and ICT initiatives—as proof of inclusive governance.
Concluding the address, the Kwara Central Advancement Elders’ Forum reaffirmed its total loyalty to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and pledged continued support for his administration’s vision for a united and prosperous Kwara.
“We will not stand by while a few attempt to rewrite facts to suit personal ambitions. Kwara Central stands firm with APC, with the people, and with continued competent leadership,” Lamidi declared.