Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara Central Senatorial District have threatened a showdown with the party leadership over alleged plans to zone the 2027 governorship seat to Kwara South.

The group, comprising members of the APC Elders Caucus and other stakeholders, warned that any such move would be strongly resisted and could negatively affect the party’s chances in the next general elections in the state.

Rising from an extraordinary meeting held in Ilorin on Monday, the forum stated that zoning the governorship to Kwara South—already a major beneficiary of the current administration—would amount to injustice against Kwara Central and Kwara North.

In a communiqué signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Mustapha Kobe, Coordinator, Alhaji Razaq Lawal, and Secretary, Alhaji Gani Alawo, the forum said:

“Zoning the governorship seat to Kwara South, which remains the largest beneficiary of the present administration in terms of plum federal appointments, would be nothing but crude injustice to the other two zones—Kwara Central and Kwara North.”

The group listed key federal appointments currently held by individuals from Kwara South, including the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Group Managing Director of the NNPCL, as well as positions in NALDA, TETFund, and the Federal Character Commission.

It noted that Kwara Central and Kwara North had tolerated the perceived imbalance out of loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as well as their commitment to party unity.

However, the forum cautioned that such patience should not be taken for granted.

“For clarity, the bulk of the votes that delivered victory to the APC in 2019 and 2023 came from Kwara Central and Kwara North. It is important to retain this voting strength ahead of the 2027 elections,” the communiqué stated.

The stakeholders also warned party leaders at both state and federal levels against making decisions that could strengthen the opposition by selecting a governorship candidate from Kwara South.

While commending Governor AbdulRazaq for his performance and role in sustaining the APC’s dominance in the state, the forum stressed that decisions capable of undermining the party’s unity and electoral strength should be avoided.

The group reaffirmed its support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and pledged to work towards ensuring APC’s victory in all elective positions in Kwara State in 2027.

It also prayed for continued guidance for both the President and the governor.