Kwara APC Defends Governorship Primary, Insists Salihu Yakubu Danladi Remains Popular and Widely Accepted

The Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations made by a group identifying itself as the “Kwara State APC Elders Caucus,” insisting that the party’s governorship primary election was validly conducted and that its candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, enjoys widespread support across the state.

In a press statement issued on Monday by the State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji A.O. Babatunde, the party described the claims made at a world press conference by the group as misleading, unfounded, and not reflective of the position of the APC in Kwara State.

According to the party, the APC governorship primary election was conducted strictly in line with guidelines issued by the National Working Committee (NWC), under the supervision of party officials from the national secretariat and relevant security agencies.

“The process was transparent, credible, and produced Rt. Hon. Engr. Salihu Yakubu Danladi as the duly elected governorship candidate of the APC in Kwara State. Any claim that the primary never took place is a deliberate falsehood and should be disregarded,” the statement read.

The party also defended the role played by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq during the primary process, noting that as leader of the party in the state, the governor acted in consultation with the APC leadership at the national level and in the best interest of party unity.

The APC further rejected allegations that critical stakeholders were sidelined, stating that extensive consultations were held across the three senatorial districts before and after the primary election.

On the issue of the candidate’s acceptability, the party described Salihu Yakubu Danladi as a tested administrator, experienced legislator, and grassroots politician with strong support among party members and stakeholders across the state.

“Attempts to portray him as unpopular do not reflect the reality on the ground. Feedback from our membership and grassroots structures indicates growing support for both the APC and our candidate,” the party stated.

The APC also faulted allegations suggesting that certain influential figures within the Presidency were working to impose an unpopular candidate on the state, describing such claims as reckless, baseless, and capable of creating unnecessary tension.

The party emphasized that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to internal democracy and due process within the APC.

Reaffirming its commitment to unity, the Kwara APC urged members to channel grievances through established party structures rather than public platforms capable of undermining cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party also clarified that the purported “Kwara APC Elders Caucus” lacks official recognition within the party’s structure.

According to the statement, APC elders’ caucuses operate at senatorial district levels, and only the Kwara Central Elders Caucus has so far been formally inaugurated, while similar bodies in Kwara North and Kwara South are yet to be constituted.

“The individuals behind the press conference do not speak for the generality of APC elders and stakeholders in Kwara State. They are entitled to their personal opinions but should not claim to represent structures that do not officially exist within the party,” the statement added.

The APC called on members and supporters to remain focused on consolidating the achievements of Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration and supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, while disregarding what it described as distractions from individuals pursuing personal interests.

The party concluded by expressing confidence in its unity and preparedness for future electoral contests, maintaining that it remains firmly committed to the continued progress and development of Kwara State.