Kwara APC Rift Deepens: Elders Reject Danladi, Foresee 2027 Electoral Catastrophe

Fresh internal discord has surfaced within the Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following a public rejection by the party's Elders Caucus of Rt. Hon. Yakubu Salihu Danladi, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, as the party’s prospective governorship candidate for the 2027 election. This development underscores increasing internal tensions within the ruling party, as various stakeholders openly challenge what they perceive as an attempt to impose a candidate without adequate statewide consultation.

During a press briefing in Ilorin, leaders of the Elders Caucus, which functions as the party's apex advisory body, accused Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of misrepresenting the true political landscape in Kwara to President Bola Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC. The elders expressed grave concerns that proceeding with Danladi’s candidacy could significantly undermine the party's electoral viability and provide an advantage to an opposition that they noted has become increasingly organized and competitive.

The caucus leadership, spearheaded by its Chairman, Chief James Bamisaiye Ayeni, JP, alongside Senator Mohammed Ahmed (Kwara North), Senator Makanju Ajadi (Kwara South), and Hon. Salman Jawondo, SAN (Kwara Central), clarified that their decision to speak publicly came after exhausting all internal party channels without achieving meaningful engagement. They emphasized that their intervention was critical as the party approaches a pivotal political juncture, stating, "We have invited you here today because we believe the APC in Kwara State is standing at a crossroads and that those who genuinely love this party can no longer afford the luxury of silence."

Identifying itself as the "conscience of the party," the group asserted its long-standing commitment to upholding the values and political ideals upon which the APC established its support base in Kwara. The elders reported that extensive consultations conducted across the state indicated that Danladi currently lacks the necessary political reach, broad acceptability, and electoral strength to unite party members and secure a victory in the upcoming governorship election. They explicitly stated, "We do not believe that the purported emergence of Rt. Hon. Yakubu Salihu Danladi as the APC governorship candidate represents the strongest political option available to the party at this critical moment."

The caucus clarified that their opposition is not personal but purely rooted in political strategy and a deep concern for the party’s future. They affirmed, "Let us state clearly that we have no personal grievance against the person of Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi. We do not begrudge his political aspirations, nor do we question his right to seek higher office. Our concern is entirely political and strategic."

Furthermore, the elders contended that the multifaceted challenges confronting Kwara State, encompassing development issues, economic pressures, and governance expectations, demand a candidate capable of inspiring broader public trust. They highlighted that the political environment leading up to 2027 significantly differs from prior election cycles, necessitating a more strategic approach from the APC. "Political realities have changed. Public expectations have changed. Voter behaviour has changed. The assumption that the APC can present any candidate and still coast to victory is not supported by the facts on the ground," they warned.

The group also leveled criticism against Governor AbdulRazaq, alleging that decisions pertaining to succession and candidate selection appear increasingly driven by personal considerations rather than the broader interests of the party. The statement read, "The future of the APC is too important to be subordinated to the ambitions or the personal ego of the Governor or any other person for that matter." The elders further claimed that endorsements and publicity surrounding Danladi’s emergence have been artificially amplified to project an image of widespread acceptance that does not reflect the actual sentiments within party structures, alleging, "The truth is that whatever media theatrics have been staged so far are merely attempts to create a false impression of acceptance where none exists."

In a strong accusation, the caucus alleged that certain unnamed aides within the Presidency are covertly working to influence the process in Danladi's favor, motivated by "patronage and other pecuniary benefits now or in the foreseeable future."

The Elders Caucus directly appealed to President Bola Tinubu, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and members of the National Working Committee to urgently intervene and conduct an independent assessment of the developments in Kwara State. They urged for broader consultations with all stakeholders before any final decision on candidacy is cemented. "We urge them to take a second look at the situation in Kwara State. We urge them to engage more broadly with stakeholders across the state and to consider the long-term health, stability and sustainability of the APC above all other considerations," the elders implored.

Despite their criticisms, the caucus reaffirmed its unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu and pledged continued support for his administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda. This latest disagreement signifies growing internal contention within the Kwara APC as the 2027 succession politics gradually gains momentum, raising concerns among some party stakeholders regarding maintaining cohesion.