Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Tuesday refuted claims that he has endorsed a preferred candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election, declaring that the race under the All Progressives Congress will be transparent and merit-driven.
Speaking at the party’s State Congress in Ilorin, the governor dismissed rumours suggesting he had settled for a successor, particularly from Kwara North Senatorial District.
According to him, the process of choosing the party’s flag bearer would not be influenced by personal endorsement.
“It is not about anyone anointing anybody. We are not building a dynasty but a legacy. Whoever succeeds me will build on the foundation we have laid and aim to surpass it,” he said.
His remarks come amid speculations of a possible power shift to Kwara North after two consecutive terms from Kwara Central. Though he did not directly address zoning, his comments were widely seen as a response to the ongoing succession debate.
AbdulRazaq revealed that six aspirants, including a member of the State House of Assembly, have indicated interest in the governorship contest, describing the development as a positive sign for internal democracy.
“When I say healthy competition, I mean it will be competitive and robust. Even within the Assembly, we already have six aspirants. It will be a strong but constructive contest,” he noted.
The governor urged aspirants and party stakeholders to remain united before and after the primaries, stressing the importance of inclusiveness once a candidate emerges.
“Whoever emerges should carry others along to maintain unity within the party family,” he added.
The congress, attended by party leaders and stakeholders across the state, reviewed party activities and preparations for upcoming political engagements. AbdulRazaq commended members for sustaining peace and cohesion, describing the orderly conduct of the meeting as proof of unity within the party.
He also claimed that opposition parties had weakened both nationally and within the state, noting defections from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC and other political platforms.
Despite the party’s perceived dominance, the governor cautioned against complacency as the primary season approaches.
Highlighting his administration’s record, AbdulRazaq pointed to strides in infrastructure, education and healthcare over the past six years, insisting that the government had significantly repositioned the state.
“What will the opposition campaign on? Infrastructure, education or healthcare? We have advanced social development across these sectors,” he said.
He further credited President Bola Tinubu for strengthening national confidence in the APC, citing improvements in key economic indicators.
While discussions around zoning among Kwara Central, Kwara South and Kwara North continue, no formal arrangement has been announced by the party.
The governor, however, maintained that competence and adherence to party processes would determine the eventual candidate.
“We have raised the standard in Kwara, and our successor will take it even higher,” he said.
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