The 2027 governorship race in Kwara State is gathering momentum, with the Senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District, Sadiq Suleiman Umar, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Saliu Yakubu Danladi, emerging as early contenders for the top job.
Senator Umar formally declared his intention at a press conference in Ilorin, the state capital, while a youth group, Kwara Central Youths for Kwara North Agenda 2027, also addressed journalists in Ilorin, endorsing his aspiration.

The group threw its weight behind the agitation for the zoning of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket to Kwara North Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 elections.
Comprising youths from the four local government areas that make up the Ilorin Emirate, the group said Umar’s track record in the Senate positions him as a strong candidate.
“Since his election to the Senate in 2019, Umar has delivered over 200 constituency projects and programmes. As a two-time Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, he has demonstrated leadership and the ability to coordinate complex legislative activities,” the group said.

They added that beyond his legislative role, Umar brings over 20 years of experience in community development, combining policy insight with practical strategies to improve lives.
The group also noted that his philosophy aligns with the national reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, further boosting his political profile ahead of the polls.
An analyst, Dr. Musa Bello, said Umar’s performance in the Senate reflects focus, commitment, and results, adding that his experience gives him the credibility to sustain Kwara’s reform agenda.

Meanwhile, another youth group has urged the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Saliu Yakubu Danladi, to contest the APC governorship ticket in 2027.
The group announced plans to hold a solidarity rally on April 11, 2026, to canvass support for Danladi as its preferred candidate.
It also revealed its transformation from Kwara Central Youths for Kwara North Agenda 2027 to Kwara Central Youths for SYD (Saliu Yakubu Danladi) as governor.

Addressing a press conference at the Kwara North House in Ilorin, the coordinator of the group, Architect Idris Olaolu, said the decision to support zoning and back Danladi was based on the principles of fairness, equity, and justice, following consultations with stakeholders.
He expressed confidence that Danladi would build on the achievements of the incumbent governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, if elected.

“We hereby call on Rt. Hon. Saliu Yakubu Danladi to contest the 2027 governorship election. We will deploy all our contacts, connections, and resources to actualise this ambition. This endorsement is not only symbolic but strategic, backed by the collective voice of youths across Kwara Central who believe in competence, capacity, and credible leadership,” he said.