Kwara APC Governorship Ticket: Former Governor’s Aide Raises Fresh Concerns Over Nomination Process, Legislative Actions;
The debate surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Kwara State has continued to generate reactions, with a former Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Oloyin Lateef Adebayo (GOC), raising concerns over the process that produced the party’s governorship flag bearer ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued in Ilorin, Oloyin questioned the legitimacy of the emergence of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, alleging that the process did not reflect the principles of internal democracy and constitutional due process.
According to him, democracy thrives on adherence to the rule of law, transparent electoral procedures, and respect for established institutions, adding that political processes should remain consistent with party guidelines and Nigeria’s electoral laws.
Among the issues highlighted was the Speaker’s alleged involvement in matters relating to the traditional leadership structure in Ilesha Gwanara, where the former aide claimed disagreements over the installation of a community leader resulted in legal proceedings involving traditional authorities.
He also alleged that the Kwara State House of Assembly had, on several occasions, experienced operational interruptions, arguing that such developments affected legislative oversight and the effective discharge of parliamentary responsibilities.
Adebayo further referenced the legal dispute involving Hon. Saba Yisa Gideon, the member representing Edu State Constituency, whose suspension from the House became the subject of judicial proceedings.
He noted that the Kwara State High Court declared the suspension unconstitutional and ordered the restoration of the lawmaker’s legislative rights and entitlements. According to him, the decision was later upheld when the Court of Appeal dismissed an application seeking to halt the execution of the judgment.
The former government aide argued that respect for judicial pronouncements remains essential to preserving democratic governance and maintaining public confidence in constitutional institutions.
On the APC governorship nomination, Oloyin maintained that questions remain regarding the conduct of the party’s governorship primary election in Kwara State. He contended that the absence of a governorship primary, as alleged by some stakeholders, has continued to fuel political disagreements within the party.
He also observed that the Speaker had previously participated in the State House of Assembly primary process, raising what he described as legal and procedural questions over his purported emergence as the party’s governorship candidate.
According to him, these concerns have contributed to growing debates among party stakeholders, including governorship aspirants, elders, youth groups, women, and other members of the APC in the state.
Oloyin called on party leaders, stakeholders, and relevant institutions to uphold constitutional principles, internal democracy, and due process in resolving all outstanding issues, stressing that transparency and fairness remain fundamental to strengthening democratic governance.
The issues raised add to the ongoing political discussions within the Kwara APC as preparations continue toward the 2027 general elections, with party leaders expected to continue reconciliation efforts aimed at fostering unity among members.
