The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara state is on the brink of a major crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections. Concerned stakeholders have warned that the party risks losing its stronghold in the state if urgent measures are not taken to address allegations of exclusion and poor governance. The APC national leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have been called upon to intervene urgently to restore fairness, inclusiveness, and internal democracy within the party.
Governor Abdul Rahman Abdul Razaq has been accused by a group of APC chieftains led by Abdul Ganiyu Alani of running the party as a personal enterprise. The group alleges that loyal members, party elders, and grassroots mobilisers have been sidelined, while dissenting voices within the party are suppressed and members who question leadership decisions face intimidation and marginalisation. The group also accused the administration of complacency on security, warning that the government's approach could exacerbate the fragile security situation in the state.
The APC e-registration exercise has been marred by allegations of manipulation through the KWASIP database, with the process skewed to favour Kwara Central Senatorial District over other zones. The group warned that any attempt to impose an unpopular candidate, such as Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, as the party's governorship candidate for 2027 could trigger mass defections, voter apathy, and protest votes against the APC.
The opposition, believed to be regrouping under the leadership of Bukola Saraki, is closely monitoring developments and may capitalise on the internal divisions within the ruling party. The group has recommended that the APC convene an urgent meeting of critical stakeholders to chart a way forward and that any review of the situation in Kwara State should be led by respected national elders of the APC to ensure neutrality, credibility, and lasting resolution.
The APC's internal crisis in Kwara State is a stark reminder of the party's failure to uphold its core principles of fairness, inclusiveness, and internal democracy. Governor Abdul Razaq's alleged sidelining of loyal members and party elders has created a toxic atmosphere within the party, which could ultimately cost the APC its stronghold in the state. The opposition's regrouping under Bukola Saraki's leadership is a clear indication that the APC's internal divisions are not going unnoticed, and the party risks losing its grip on power in Kwara State if it fails to address these issues urgently. The APC's national leadership must take immediate action to restore internal democracy and prevent a repeat of the 2019 electoral disaster in the state. The party's future in Kwara State hangs in the balance, and it is imperative that the APC takes concrete steps to address these concerns before it's too late.
