APC Halts Kwara Governorship Primary Midway Amid Rising Tension
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State on Thursday abruptly suspended its governorship primary election after the exercise had already commenced across parts of the state.
The development was announced in a statement issued by the state publicity secretary of the party, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Babatunde.
According to the statement, the governorship primary earlier scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, was postponed to Friday, May 22, 2026.
“All aspirants and party faithful are advised to take note. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,” the statement read.
The sudden decision came just hours after party members had trooped out in large numbers to participate in the exercise at various voting centres across the state.
Sources within the party alleged that the disruption was linked to growing dissatisfaction among some governorship aspirants following Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s endorsement of Ambassador Yahaya Seriki as his preferred successor.
Although the governor had clarified that his endorsement did not stop other aspirants from contesting, insiders claimed that some aspirants were uncomfortable with the move and pushed for the postponement to allow time for fresh political consultations and realignment.
According to party sources, some aggrieved aspirants are now considering backing a candidate from Kwara South to challenge Seriki more strongly in the rescheduled primary.
Findings also revealed that before the exercise was halted, Seriki was reportedly leading in several voting centres across the state.
The postponement has since created uncertainty among party members and supporters, with many awaiting the next move from the party leadership ahead of Friday’s rescheduled primary.
