Kwara APC Power Play: Elders Back Danladi-Salihu, Quash Rival Faction

A prominent group of elders within the Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) publicly declared their unwavering support for the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, in a press conference held in Ilorin on Monday. This declaration directly contradicted an earlier stance taken by a faction led by Chief James Bamisaiye, which had expressed reservations about Danladi-Salihu’s emergence. The supportive elders' group also took the opportunity to reassure President Bola Tinubu and the national APC leadership that Danladi-Salihu enjoys widespread backing across Kwara State, particularly among the youth electorate, as the state prepares for the 2027 governorship election.

The Chief James Bamisaiye-led APC Elders Caucus had previously convened a press conference where they rejected Danladi-Salihu’s candidature, cautioning that the unresolved issues surrounding his nomination could jeopardize the APC's chances of retaining Kwara State. However, Hon. AbdulLateef Gidado Alakawa, the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda Ambassadors, speaking on behalf of the supportive group, dismissed the opposing faction as "interlopers" who lack official recognition within the state's party structure. Alakawa clarified that while they would ordinarily ignore such claims, it was imperative to correct what they perceived as false narratives being spread.

Alakawa emphasized the transparency and peaceful nature of the party primaries for all elective offices, including the governorship ticket. He reminded the public that the results of the governorship primary, which took place on May 22, 2026, were officially announced by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who chaired the panel dispatched from Abuja to oversee the exercise. The primary, held at the Banquet Hall along Ahmadu Bello Way, Ilorin, conclusively produced the incumbent Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, as the victor. Significantly, Alakawa noted that since the primary, none of the other governorship aspirants have formally challenged its outcome.

Following his victory, Engr. Danladi-Salihu has reportedly engaged in extensive outreach, meeting with former contestants and various political stakeholders, as well as traditional rulers throughout the state. These efforts are aimed at fostering party unity and consolidating support ahead of the crucial 2027 elections. Alakawa highlighted Danladi-Salihu’s strong professional and political credentials, citing his extensive experience as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly for several years, which positions him as a capable leader for the state.

The allegations suggesting that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq imposed the governorship candidate on the party were also firmly refuted by Alakawa. He asserted that the governor maintained a neutral stance, allowing for a free and fair contest and was not directly involved in the conduct of the primary exercise. As a committed democrat, Governor AbdulRazaq simply accepted the outcome of a process that was widely lauded for its peaceful and credible nature, according to the group.

Citing figures released by the APC primary committee, Alakawa confirmed that Danladi-Salihu secured a commanding 94,990 votes, triumphing over eight other aspirants. He further stressed that the overwhelming support for Danladi-Salihu spans across all three senatorial districts of Kwara State, thereby reflecting the genuine will of the party members. This broad-based support, the group believes, is crucial for the party's success.

The elders’ group urged all aggrieved party members to set aside their differences and coalesce their efforts to ensure a resounding victory for the APC in the upcoming election cycle. Reiterating their commitment, Alakawa confidently stated, "We want to assure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Kwara remains an APC state and, by the grace of God, the governor and other stakeholders will once again deliver victory for the party in 2027."

The press briefing saw Hon. AbdulLateef Gidado Alakawa accompanied by other prominent party figures, including Alhaji Razaq Lawal, Coordinator of the Kwara Central APC Elders Caucus, and Alhaji Usman Bibire Ajape, a respected chieftain of the party, among others, underscoring the collective support behind Danladi-Salihu's candidacy.