The stage is now set for a major political challenge in Kwara State following the release by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), list of senatorial candidates for the 2027 senatorial contest.

The list features Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the incumbent senator representing Kwara Central, Saliu Mustapha among others making the list for the Kwara Central senatorial election.

This has thus sets the stage for a closely watched contest between AbdulRazaq of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Mustapha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to the list, other candidates include Adesola Kehinde (AA), Gani Omolabi (ADP), Gbadesogun Olufemi Adeleke (APP), Abdulahi Risikat Motunrayo (ADC), Anjorin John Temitayo (APM), Abdulkarim-Adisa Maryam Ayoola-Fadekemi (LP), Adefolu Adekunle (NRM), Lawal Abdulhakeem Toyin (NNPP), and Suleiman Abdulrasheed Olufemi Omoda (NDC).

The development puts to rest weeks of speculation over whether Mustapha, the PDP candidate, would appear on the final list.

In recent weeks, some supporters and political allies of the governor had publicly expressed confidence that Mustapha’s candidature would not survive the process, with some insisting that the PDP candidate would ultimately not appear on the ballot.

According to a Salman Jawondo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), “it is going to be an easy ride for Mustapha because the governor has spoilt the party.

“You can see the spate of defection here and there in the state, some of us that are still there are just there to work in coalition with the PDP for president BolaTinubu.

“We will work for the president and other candidates except Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s candidates.

“It is obvious the APC has lost grip of the state. I am sure that Saliu Mustapha would dwarf the governor.

“It is going to be an exciting electoral match but one thing is certain, Saliu Mustapha is going to carry the day, given his popularity and acceptability viz-a-viz the dwindling image of the governor,” Jawondo expressed.

Also, a social commentator, Dr. Abdulmajeed Ali, Mustapha’s presence on the ballot had always been a major concern for the ruling party, arguing that repeated attempts to cast doubt on his candidature reflected anxiety over a direct electoral contest with the governor.

“There is nothing the ruling party dreads more than having Saliu Mustapha on the ballot,” Ali said.

He alleged that political interests opposed to the senator would explore every available avenue to prevent him from contesting because of concerns that he could pose a formidable electoral challenge to the governor.

“Their greatest fear is Saliu Mustapha on the ballot against AbdulRazaq. They know he poses a serious threat to the governor’s election bid, which is why they will explore every possible means to stop him from contesting.”

“But if they are confident of their popularity, they should allow both men to face the people in a free and fair election and let Kwara Central decide,” Ali said.