A youth advocacy group in Kwara State, Kwara Youth Advocate (KYA), has appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support the emergence of Captain Ahmad Mahmoud as the party’s candidate in 2027.

The group made the appeal amid growing political consultations and permutations ahead of the APC governorship primaries in May 21, 2026, urging that competence, youthful leadership and broad professional exposure should guide the choice of the party’s flagbearer.

Speaking on a radio programme, “Oro Ilu” during the week, the Convener of KYA, Comrade Muhammad Abdulwaris Adangba, advocated greater youth inclusion in governance and political leadership in the state.

He argued that “young people possess the energy, innovation and capacity required to drive sustainable development in Kwara.”

Adangba specifically endorsed Captain Ahmad, describing him as a seasoned aviator, aircraft maintenance engineer, philanthropist and grassroots mobiliser whose contributions to education, youth empowerment and community development have distinguished him across the state.

According to him, the aspirant has continued to impact lives through the Captain Ahmad Mahmoud Foundation (CAMF) which he said has awarded scholarships and financial assistance to students across the 16 local government areas of Kwara State.

He added that the foundation has also supported schools for children with special needs through the donation of teaching and learning materials, while organising skill acquisition and empowerment programmes for unemployed youths, particularly in Kwara Central.

The programmes, he noted, were accompanied by start-up support aimed at helping beneficiaries establish small businesses.

The youth advocate further commended Governor AbdulRazaq for creating opportunities for young people and women in governance, saying the administration has demonstrated commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders.

He advised that the APC should consolidate on that legacy by supporting a youthful and competent governorship candidate for the 2027 race.

Adangba also explained Mahmoud’s contributions to the state through his professional engagements, noting that, as Director of Operations with United Airlines, he facilitated the airline’s first-ever operations in Kwara State.

He said the aspirant’s interventions also extend to medical assistance, financial support for widows and vulnerable persons, as well as religious and civic engagements across the three senatorial districts.

He expressed confidence that “Captain Mahmoud would replicate the same spirit of service in public office if given the APC governorship ticket, stressing that the time had come for Nigerian youths to take active leadership roles in governance.”

The group, therefore, urged APC leaders and party members across Kwara State to rally support for Mahmoud’s aspiration ahead of the party primaries, insisting that youth participation remains critical to the future of democracy and development in the country