The Kwara Progressive Coalition has called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to carefully consider concerns raised by the Kwara State APC Elders Caucus regarding the party’s governorship primary that produced Speaker Yakubu Danladi Salihu as its candidate for the 2027 election.

In a statement issued on Monday, the group described the elders’ intervention as an opportunity for reflection and reconciliation within the party, urging stakeholders to prioritise unity and internal democracy ahead of the next electoral cycle.

According to the coalition, the significance of the elders’ position lies not only in their status within the party but also in their longstanding contributions to the growth of progressive politics in Kwara State.

“These are men and women who have devoted decades of their lives to building political structures, nurturing democratic institutions, supporting progressive causes and safeguarding the collective interests of our party and state,” the statement said.

The group argued that the concerns expressed by the elders should not be dismissed, but rather examined through established party mechanisms.

“When such respected elders publicly express concern about the credibility of a process that will ultimately determine the future of our party and the political destiny of Kwara State, their views should be carefully examined,” it stated.

The coalition claimed that some party members and stakeholders across the state’s three senatorial districts had expressed reservations about aspects of the governorship primary process, including concerns over consultation and participation in decision-making.

It, however, stressed that the issue extended beyond any individual aspirant or political tendency within the party.

“The issue before us is bigger than any individual candidate. It is fundamentally about the credibility of our internal democratic processes and the future electoral viability of our party,” the statement added.

The group noted that the APC rose to prominence as a political platform built on principles of inclusion, participation and fairness, urging party leaders to preserve those values.

It warned that unresolved grievances and perceptions of injustice could undermine party cohesion if not addressed through dialogue and reconciliation.

“History has repeatedly shown that political parties are rarely defeated by external opponents before they are first weakened internally by unresolved grievances, perceived injustices and avoidable divisions,” the coalition stated.

The group appealed to the National Chairman of the APC, members of the National Working Committee, the National Executive Committee and other leaders of the party to engage constructively with the concerns raised by stakeholders.

It also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as leader of the party, to encourage efforts aimed at strengthening unity and confidence within the APC.

“Enduring political success is built not merely on victory, but on legitimacy. The strength of the APC has always resided in its ability to accommodate diverse interests while preserving unity of purpose,” the statement said.

The coalition urged all stakeholders to place the long-term interests of the party above individual ambitions and temporary political considerations.

“The APC remains the dominant political platform in Kwara State. However, political dominance is not sustained through imposition. It is sustained through trust, fairness, consultation and legitimacy,” it added.

The group expressed optimism that the concerns raised by the elders could provide an avenue for strengthening the party’s internal structures and preserving unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We urge the party leadership to seize this opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation. History will ultimately judge not only the decisions we make, but also the warnings we choose to ignore,” the statement concluded.