No anointed candidate, Kwara gov vows open APC governorship race
Naija News • 47m ago
**Kwara APC Governorship Race: No Anointed Candidate, Says AbdulRazaq**
The stage is set for a keenly contested All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 elections. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has dismissed speculation that he has endorsed a preferred candidate, insisting that the party will conduct a transparent and merit-based primary.
Speaking at the State Congress of the APC in Ilorin, the governor emphasized that every aspirant has an equal chance of emerging victorious. "We are not building a dynasty; we are building a legacy," he said, hinting at his administration's commitment to leaving a lasting impact on the state.
The governor's comments are significant given the intense political consultations within the party. Rumours have been rife that power may shift to Kwara North after two consecutive terms from Kwara Central. While AbdulRazaq did not directly address zoning, his remarks were interpreted as a response to the succession speculation.
So far, six governorship aspirants have expressed interest in the race, including a member of the State House of Assembly. The governor described the contest as tough but healthy for internal democracy. "Even from within our State House of Assembly, we have six governorship aspirants altogether. Moving forward, it will indeed be a healthy contest," he said.
AbdulRazaq urged aspirants and party stakeholders to maintain unity before and after the primaries. He stressed that the winning candidate must carry along others who do not succeed to foster unity within the party.
The APC congress, which brought together party stakeholders from across the state, reviewed party activities and preparedness for forthcoming political exercises. The governor congratulated party members for sustaining unity, describing the peaceful conduct of the congress as evidence of cohesion within the party.
As the build-up to the primaries intensifies, AbdulRazaq acknowledged the perceived dominance of the APC in Kwara State. However, he warned that the party would not take its position for granted. He highlighted the achievements of his administration, including infrastructure development, improved education, and enhanced healthcare services.
The APC governorship primary in Kwara State is expected to be a closely watched contest, with many political observers eager to see how the party will conduct its internal election. With six aspirants already in the running, the stage is set for a fierce battle ahead of the 2027 elections.