The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State is in open crisis. Prominent party leaders, serving and former lawmakers, governorship aspirants and elders publicly rejected what they called attempts to impose candidates ahead of the 2027 elections. They warned the party could lose the state if leaders ignore consultation and internal democracy.
At a mass rally by the G-15 in Ilorin, the group begged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC national leadership to step in. They insisted the party’s future in the state was under threat.
Former Kwara APC chairman and governorship hopeful Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa said the party has no valid candidate yet. “There is no APC governorship candidate in Kwara State yet,” he said, adding that no lawful primary had taken place and urging unity and due process.
Senator Saliu Mustapha, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, called the rally a spontaneous show of anger at how affairs are run. He stressed it wasn’t about personal ambition but fairness. “We are protesting to register our rejection of the way and manner a particular candidate has been endorsed. We are not saying we dislike anybody. What we are saying is that stakeholders deserve consultation and a sense of belonging before such decisions are taken,” Mustapha said.
Former senator Yahaya Oloriegbe warned transparency must cover all primaries. “It’s not only about the governorship election. We are talking about all primary elections, from the House of Assembly to the Senate. Every stakeholder must be carried along,” he said, accusing leaders of sidelining senior figures. “We have a leadership that doesn’t carry anybody along… That’s why all of us came together to rescue our party and our state,” he added.
Lola Ashiru said the protest was to protect President Tinubu’s legacy. “We are here mainly because we want to protect the legacy of our dear father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said, warning: “If we are not careful, there will be midnight for APC in Kwara State.”
Elder Suleiman Ajadi blasted decision-making by a few. “You pocketed 24 House of Assembly seats, six House of Representatives seats, three Senate seats and the governorship without consulting anybody. Is that how to win elections? If this is sustained, APC may lose in 2027,” he said.
Salman Jawondo (SAN), local organising chairman, said the rally was to show strength but also to warn of fragmentation. “We don’t want anything that will divide us. With the way our governor is going, if care is not taken, he may wreck the party. We need the President and our party leaders to intervene,” he said.
Ambassador Yahaya Seriki, another aspirant, added the rally was also to reassure President Tinubu of the group’s loyalty and continued support across the state.
