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A socio-political group, Kwara Central Prominent Youth, has formally declared its support for the emergence of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Danladi Yakubu, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election.
The endorsement was announced on Sunday in a statement issued after extensive consultations among members of the group and key stakeholders across Kwara State.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, the Chairman of the group said the decision was driven by the principles of justice, fairness, equity, and the desire to promote unity and sustainable development across the state.
According to the group, the call for Danladi Yakubu’s candidature is not rooted in sectional interests but in the collective aspiration to strengthen inclusiveness and ensure balanced political representation among the three senatorial districts of Kwara State.
The group observed that since the return of democratic governance in 1999, Kwara Central has occupied the governorship position for approximately two decades, while Kwara South has produced governors for about eight years. It noted that Kwara North, despite its immense contributions to the political growth, stability, and electoral successes of the state, is yet to produce an elected governor.
“This is neither a complaint nor a narrative of marginalisation. Rather, it is an honest recognition of reality and a sincere appeal to the conscience of all Kwarans in the spirit of fairness, justice, and unity,” the group stated.
The youths commended the people of Kwara North for their unwavering loyalty and support for leaders from other senatorial districts over the years, stressing that the time has come for other zones to reciprocate the gesture in the interest of equity and harmonious coexistence.
They described Rt. Hon. Salihu Danladi Yakubu as a competent, experienced, youthful, and credible leader whose emergence would further strengthen the bonds of unity among all sections of the state.
The group highlighted his impressive record in public service, particularly his successful tenure as a two-term Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and former Chairman of the Conference of Progressive Speakers Forum. According to them, these accomplishments demonstrate his leadership capacity, administrative competence, political maturity, and commitment to good governance.
They further noted that his background in academia and university administration, coupled with his legislative experience, has adequately prepared him for the responsibilities of leading Kwara State into a new era of progress and development.
The organisation therefore called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community associations, women groups, youth organisations, artisans, traders, professionals, students, and other stakeholders across the sixteen local government areas of the state to support his aspiration.
“This moment transcends politics. It is about deepening unity, promoting inclusiveness, and ensuring that every part of Kwara State feels represented and valued in the collective project of building a stronger and more prosperous state,” the statement added.
The group also appealed to other APC governorship aspirants and their supporters to embrace sportsmanship, maintain party cohesion, and work together for the overall success of the party.
While acknowledging the contributions, sacrifices, and qualifications of other aspirants, the organisation emphasized that democracy ultimately produces one candidate and urged all stakeholders to rally behind whoever emerges through a transparent and credible process.
“APC remains one united family, and every progressive remains vital to the success of our collective mission. No one should consider himself a loser because our ultimate objective is not personal ambition but the continued growth, peace, and prosperity of Kwara State,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its commitment to the ideals of justice, equity, and inclusive governance, the group expressed confidence that supporting Rt. Hon. Salihu Danladi Yakubu’s governorship aspiration would not only be a historic opportunity for Kwara North but would also strengthen unity, political stability, and sustainable development across the state.
The group concluded by urging all Kwarans, irrespective of political, ethnic, or sectional affiliations, to support the Speaker’s aspiration and join hands in building a more united, inclusive, and prosperous Kwara State ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election.
Signed:
Abdulazeez AdeshinaSecretary, Kwara Central Prominent Youth
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