Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has declared that Kwara remains a stronghold of the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces a difficult challenge in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
AbdulRazaq made the statement in Ilorin while receiving a delegation of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, led by its Director-General, Senator AbdulAziz Abubakar Yari, at the Ahmadu Bello Government House.
The governor attributed the APC’s dominance in Kwara since 2019 to its popularity and consistent electoral victories. He also expressed confidence that the party would secure another victory in the state in 2027.
According to AbdulRazaq, the political balance in Kwara currently favours the APC, which he estimated to command 70 per cent support against the PDP’s 30 per cent. He argued that the opposition party had continued to weaken over the years.
The governor further maintained that the decision of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whom he described as a PDP leader, to join President Bola Tinubu’s campaign council would strengthen the APC’s chances.
He said the development could make Kwara one of the easiest states for the ruling party to win, arguing that the two major political parties in the state would support Tinubu’s re-election bid.
AbdulRazaq commended the composition of the Presidential Campaign Council and praised its members for demonstrating commitment to the campaign even before their formal inauguration. He also acknowledged their contributions to national development.
The delegation included several former governors and prominent political figures, among them Aminu Bello Masari, Rochas Okorocha, Ali Modu Sheriff, Adamu Aliero, Abubakar Badaru, Danjuma Goje, Ibrahim Shema, Sani Yerima, Abdullahi Ganduje, Olusegun Mimiko and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole.
Yari thanked the governor for the warm reception and acknowledged his contributions towards strengthening the APC in Kwara and across the country. He also pledged continued cooperation with the governor as the party prepares for the elections.
As part of the visit, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
Speaking at the Emir’s palace, Yari said the delegation had come to seek the monarch’s prayers, blessings and counsel for the success of the APC and its candidates, particularly President Tinubu, in the 2027 general elections.
The Emir welcomed the delegation and prayed for the success of Tinubu and other APC candidates in the forthcoming polls.
In a separate engagement, Yari also led APC chieftains on a consultative visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
The campaign council’s Director-General, through a statement issued by his media office, clarified that the visits to the traditional rulers were not intended to secure political endorsements or mobilise support.
Instead, he said the engagements formed part of the council’s nationwide consultations with traditional institutions to promote mutual understanding and seek the prayers, blessings and guidance of respected royal fathers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
