Kwara Lawmakers Endorse Speaker Danladi-Salihu for 2027 Governorship, Reject Primary Election Dispute Claims

Members of the Kwara State House of Assembly have openly endorsed the Speaker, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election, while dismissing reports suggesting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not conducted a valid primary.

The endorsement was made during a press briefing held at the Assembly Complex in Ilorin, where lawmakers also moved to counter growing internal speculation about the party’s selection process.

Speaking on behalf of the legislators, Majority Leader Abdulkadri Magaji described claims that no governorship primary had been conducted in the state as false and misleading, warning that such narratives could create unnecessary tension within the APC.

According to him, the party had already concluded its internal process for selecting a governorship candidate in line with its constitutional guidelines.

Magaji stressed that the lawmakers’ support for Speaker Danladi-Salihu reflects confidence in his leadership, legislative experience, and track record in governance and development efforts within the state.

He urged party members and the public to disregard rumours questioning the legitimacy of the process, insisting that due process was followed in line with party rules.

The lawmakers also reaffirmed their commitment to the unity and stability of the APC in Kwara State, while pledging continued support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Beyond internal party matters, Magaji called on stakeholders to focus on strengthening the party rather than engaging in what he described as divisive speculation capable of distracting from governance and political planning.

Also speaking, Rukayat Shittu, who represents Ilorin East Constituency, said opposition to Danladi-Salihu’s emergence as the preferred candidate is largely driven by personal ambition rather than collective party interest.

She maintained that the endorsement reflects the will of lawmakers who believe the Speaker is well-positioned to lead the state if given the opportunity.

The development signals early political positioning within the Kwara APC ahead of the 2027 governorship race, even as debates over internal democracy and candidate selection continue to surface.