Kwara APC Launches 2027 Election Mobilization with Grand Unity Rally

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State officially commenced its preparations for the 2027 general elections on Sunday, hosting a comprehensive statewide rally in Ilorin, the state capital. The event served a dual purpose: to affirm support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid and to commend the party's candidates who emerged successfully from the recently concluded primaries.

Organized by the Kwara Progressives group under the banner, "Kwara Ndupe," which translates to "Kwara is Grateful," the procession saw a significant turnout of party leaders, newly selected candidates, and loyal supporters. They marched through major streets of Ilorin, demonstrating the party's strength and unity.

Speaking to journalists during the rally, Abdulateef Alakawa, the State Coordinator for the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, explained that the gathering was a gesture of gratitude for the peaceful and successful conduct of the party's direct primaries. These primaries, he noted, led to the selection of candidates for various elective positions across the state. Alakawa emphasized that the direct primary process accurately reflected the desires of party members and underscored the Kwara APC's unwavering loyalty to both President Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

“Power belongs to the people, and the people have spoken through the direct primary elections. We are grateful to God that the primaries were peaceful and successful, with our candidates emerging across the various positions,” Alakawa stated.

Addressing concerns about potential divisions stemming from the primary outcomes, the APC chieftain assured the public that the party's leadership had already activated reconciliation mechanisms. These measures are designed to unite all stakeholders in anticipation of the 2027 polls. “In every democratic process, there will be winners and others who may not emerge. As far as the APC is concerned, we have no losers. The party has already constituted a reconciliation committee, and we are confident all issues will be resolved,” he added.

Ahmad Muhammad, the APC candidate for the Kwara North Senatorial District, lauded the party's decision to zone the governorship ticket to Kwara North, describing it as a testament to fairness and inclusivity. He extended his appreciation to President Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq, and all party members for the trust placed in him. “We appreciate the people of Kwara for giving Kwara North the opportunity to produce the next governor. Today’s rally demonstrates the confidence and support the people have for the leadership of Governor AbdulRazaq and the APC,” Muhammad affirmed.

Muhammad expressed strong confidence that the APC would maintain its hold on power in the state during the upcoming general elections, citing the party's continued widespread support across Kwara. In a similar vein, Olalekan Adewoye, the APC candidate for Kwara South Senatorial District, conveyed his gratitude to Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, and other party leaders for the opportunity to represent the party. He characterized the APC as a cohesive family whose members are collectively dedicated to its success. “I am grateful to God and to the leadership of our party for the confidence reposed in me. Without their support, this would not have been possible,” Adewoye remarked.

Oba Magaji Abdulkadri, the Majority Leader of the state House of Assembly, also spoke at the event, highlighting that the impressive turnout at the rally was a clear indicator of the APC's unity and increasing strength within the state. “We are very happy. As you can see, everyone is in a joyous mood,” Abdulkadri shared. He dismissed any concerns regarding the opposition's prospects in Kwara, expressing certainty that the APC would sustain its dominance in the 2027 elections. “The future in Kwara State is APC from top to bottom, by the grace of Allah. The future is very bright. We are not afraid. As our leaders have said, there is practically no opposition in Kwara. We will continue to remain united and work together for the progress of the party and the state,” he declared.

The organizers emphasized that the initiative was designed to promote core values such as renewed hope, gratitude, consolidation, equity, fairness, justice, youth inclusion, and gender equality. Notable figures present at the rally included Abubakar Batta (Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development), Lawal Olohungbebe (Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development), Rafiu Ajakaye (House of Representatives candidate for Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency), and Abdullateef Alakawa (Chairman, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority), among others.