Ten governorship aspirants from the All Progressives Congress in Kwara State have formally appealed to President Bola Tinubu to address what they claim is the forced selection of Speaker Yakubu Danladi Salihu as the party’s candidate for the 2027 elections. In a joint letter dated Saturday, the aspirants warned that the party risks losing the state if the current situation persists.
The petitioners highlighted that the primary election process was deeply flawed, alleging that results were announced for a contest that effectively did not take place. They stressed that many party members and stakeholders feel alienated and may seek alternative platforms to pursue their political goals if the imposition is not corrected.
The aspirants recalled the historic Otoge movement that brought the APC to power in Kwara in 2019, noting that the victory was a collective effort. However, they argued that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has failed to maintain the inclusive spirit of that coalition, leading to the marginalization of key contributors to the party’s success.
According to the letter, Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership has weakened the party’s support base and diminished its chances in future elections. The aspirants called on President Tinubu to review the credentials and statewide acceptability of all aspirants, asserting that among them is a leader capable of restoring unity and strengthening the party.
The aggrieved aspirants expressed confidence that the President’s intervention can avert a deeper crisis and ensure the APC’s survival in Kwara State. They urged Tinubu to act in the best interest of the party and the legacy of democratic inclusion it represents.