The Coalition of Kwara APC Young Stakeholders and Supporters (C-KAYS), on Friday passed a vote of confidence on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration and endorsed the Speaker of the State Assembly, Engr. Salisu Yakubu Danladi, as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

The coalition, at a stakeholders’ meeting in Ilorin, reviewed the performance of the state government and mapped out strategies for grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Moving the motion for the vote of confidence, C-KAYS Coordinator, Mallam Nasirudeen Abiola, said the coalition’s assessment showed progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and security under AbdulRazaq.

“As young people and as a coalition committed to progress, we have watched closely and engaged constructively with government programmes that uplift our communities,” Abiola said.

He commended the governor’s approach to fiscal responsibility, partnerships and youth engagement, noting that a recent meeting between C-KAYS and the governor provided avenue for members to present their concerns directly.

“Our agitations and concerns were received with open ears and addressed passionately by the Governor and his team. We appreciate the frank engagement and the assurances given, which reinforced our confidence in his leadership,” he said.

The coalition subsequently resolved to support the AbdulRazaq’s government and mobilise residents, particularly young people, to participate actively in government programmes and the political process.

On 2027 race, Abiola announced C-KAYS’ endorsement of Speaker Salisu Yakubu Danladi, describing him as an experienced legislator and public servant capable of building on the existing agenda of the state.

“Engr. Danladi has demonstrated exemplary leadership, proven legislative competence, and a clear commitment to the welfare of Kwarans,” he said.

The coalition pledged to commence legitimate political mobilisation for APC candidates while urging members to remain united and avoid activities capable of creating divisions within the party.

“Our focus is on positive mobilisation, disciplined campaigning, and securing victory for the APC in Kwara State,” Abiola added.

Also speaking, the commissioner for Environment, Hon. Nafisat Musa Buge, urged APC youths to close ranks, resolve their differences and rally behind the party’s leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.

Buge said the party must remain united to secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq and other APC candidates.

“We need to rally round the Governor, His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to ensure that we deliver Mr President come 2027, as well as all our candidates under the platform of APC,” she said.

She acknowledged that disagreements were normal in politics but warned against allowing personal interests to weaken the party.

“There might be some room for disagreement because of interests, but we must understand that we are all one as a party. So long as you carry the membership of APC, we are one family, one big family,” Buge said.

She added that “it is time for mobilisation. It is time for commitment for members of our party,” charging C-KAYS members to deepen their engagement with communities across the state.

Also speaking, the Governor’s Adviser on Party Affairs, Hon. Alaka Moshood, tasked the youth stakeholders with taking the administration’s achievements to the grassroots and ensuring that residents were properly informed about government policies and programmes.

According to Alaka, “C-KAYS and all political institutions are working to make the party perform better,” adding that members should return to their communities and share the issues discussed at the meeting.

“My own message to them is that they should go home, reflect on what was discussed here and talk to the people at home. They should disseminate the information and share their experience,” he said.

Alaka also appealed to party members who had become inactive or dissatisfied to return to the fold and contribute to strengthening the APC ahead of future elections.

Meanwhile, a member of the State Assembly representing Alanamu/Ajikobi Constituency in Ilorin West Local Government Area, Isiaka Olajide Ambali, popularly known as Keita, described youth participation in governance as a major factor in the state’s development.

Ambali said the significant presence of young people at the C-KAYS meeting demonstrated their growing interest in governance and the political affairs of the state.

“We have a very wonderful turnout. From what we are seeing, it is the youth that make the state grow,” he said.

He commended the AbdulRazaq administration for what he described as increased opportunities for young people in government, pointing to the involvement of youths as commissioners and other public officials.

“What we have been having before now was that the youth were not fully participating. But now we have youth, and that is why you see rapid development in the state,” Ambali said.

He called for continuity in youth inclusion and urged APC stakeholders to encourage more young people to participate actively in politics and governance.

“If you bring more youth into the government and into the system, that will make the state grow,” he added.

C-KAYS also declared its support for APC candidates in the forthcoming elections, promising to work with the party’s structures to promote peaceful campaigns, increased voter participation and electoral discipline.

The coalition urged its members to respect electoral laws, shun violence and reject actions capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.

The resolutions reached at the meeting are expected to be sent to the governor, the state APC Secretariat, relevant party stakeholders and the media, as the coalition begins a fresh phase of grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.