The Kwara State Elders Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to ensure that the state’s next governor emerges from the Kwara North Senatorial District in 2027.

The elders argued that such a move would reflect the principles of fairness, equity, and justice.

Their position came as APC youth coalition groups in Baruten Local Government Area also threw their support behind the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Salihu Yakubu Danladi, a native of Kwara North, as a preferred successor.

While the elders addressed journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre in Ilorin, the youth groups held a separate press conference in Okuta following a rally that drew a large crowd of party supporters and residents.

Chairman of the APC Elders Caucus, Chief James Bamisaiye Ayeni, said their position was anchored on the need to ensure balanced political representation among the state’s three senatorial districts.

He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission has already released the timetable for the 2027 general elections, making it imperative for political parties to begin preparations.

Ayeni advised the APC leadership in the state to commence early consultations aimed at producing a consensus governorship candidate from Kwara North, to avoid unnecessary rivalry among aspirants.

He pointed out that since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Kwara Central Senatorial District has produced three governors who collectively served for about 20 years, while Kwara South Senatorial District produced a governor who served for eight years between 2011 and 2019.

According to him, Kwara North has yet to produce a governor in the current democratic dispensation.

“It is therefore in the overall interest of justice, equity, and fairness that the next governor of Kwara State should come from Kwara North Senatorial District,” he said.

The elders also commended the people of Kwara North for their loyalty and consistent support for the APC in previous elections, particularly in 2015, 2019, and 2023.

They appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party’s leadership at both national and state levels to support their position and ensure that the APC’s governorship ticket in 2027 is zoned to the district.

The caucus further called for inclusive consultations with critical stakeholders to ensure the emergence of a widely acceptable candidate through consensus.

On security, the elders praised the collaboration between President Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq in tackling security challenges in the state, while sympathising with victims of bandit attacks and calling for sustained efforts to improve safety.

Meanwhile, APC youth coalition groups in Baruten staged a rally in support of Speaker Danladi, marching through parts of the town with campaign materials.

Speaking at the event, Mallam Abdullahi Idris said the Speaker has contributed significantly to the development of the district, particularly in areas such as water supply and youth empowerment.

He noted that several communities have benefited from boreholes and employment opportunities facilitated by the lawmaker.

However, Idris acknowledged that the district still faces challenges, including poor infrastructure and underdevelopment. He urged residents and political stakeholders to support Danladi’s potential governorship bid to address these issues.

He reiterated that Kwara North has not produced a governor since 1999, stressing the need for political inclusion and balance.