Group wants power shift to Kwara North, backs AbdulRazaq

Worried by what it described as age-long inequalities in political power rotation in Kwara State, a forum Kwara South Equity Advocates (K-SEA) has opted for a governor from the northern geopolitical zone of the state.

It lamented that the central has been in power for over 20 years against other zones’ cumulative eight years.

The chairman of the group, Ibrahim Lawal, at the group’s summit at the comprehensive high school, Ajase-Ipo, highlighted the seeming injustices and Equities associated with the inequitable power-sharing and governance in the state since 1999.

Speaking on the theme: A new dawn in Kwara: Quest for Equity, fairness, and justice; Kwara South for Kwara north, Lawal said the group is poised to contribute to the advanced democratic governance and equitable development in Kwara.

“Since the commencement of the nascent democracy in 1999, with three regions in Kwara State: North, South, and Kwara Central, we have not experienced equitable distribution of power and inclusiveness, and this has adversely affected our democracy,” Lawal said.

“In what looks like a polarization of democracy in our state, by 2027, Kwara Central would have governed the state for 20 years, Kwara South for eight years, while Kwara North has never had a taste of the leadership stool of the state. This is deepening the state of division and distrust that seems to pervade our society.

“What, however, inspires hope in holding the bull by the horns in this struggle is the fact that the government, the administration, and the body language of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq signify a determination to awaken and restore the declining confidence of citizens in democratic institutions and the increasing disregard for democratic norms and rules, which many political actors deliberately ignored.”

He, however, suggested that “it is time for power to either shift to Kwara North or Kwara South for equity and moral truth because anxieties are growing over the future of democracy in Kwara State.”

He accused successive governments of insensitivity in power-sharing in a multifaceted society, saying, “the successive administrations in Kwara State have either lacked the concept of power-sharing and inclusiveness or deliberately exerted actions to dislocate democracy in our peace-loving state.

“Their lack of administrative foresight has also brought about ideological distance from collective efforts to move the state forward, fueled public disaffection, intolerance, discrimination, and diminished societal trust.”

The guest lecturer, a Professor of political science, Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State, Prof. Ebenezer Ejalonibu Lawal, aligned with the poise of the group, berating the experience that the Central geopolitical zone would have ruled for 20 years at the end of this administration.

He advised the Kwara North to work towards a consensus candidate for easier access to the government House in 2027.

“Politics is a game of number, let all be prepared to see this project as personal ambition for there to be a realistic ambition,” he said.

Also speaking, the founder of Thomas Adewumi University Eng. JBO Adewumi, represented by Prof. Olusegun Elegbede, expressed his belief in equity and the governor.

The chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Sunday Adeniran Fagbemi urged Kwarans to allow the governor to choose his successor.

He lamented many neglect the zone suffered during the administration of former governor Abdulfatah Ahmed who also hails from the area.

Meanwhile, the second Speaker, Dr. Olufemi Owolabi declared support for the essence of the group which he described as the right move by patriots.

Representing traditional rulers, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo kingdom, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, rallied support for the group.