A political scientist and former senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Ilorin, Dr. Abubakar Lasiele, has said the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition African Democratic Congress made a major political miscalculation by fielding governorship candidates from the same local government area in Kwara State.

Lasiele described the development as an “own goal” for both parties, arguing that the two candidates would likely split votes within the same political base while leaving other politically strategic districts relatively open.

He spoke on the sidelines of the annual dinner and award night organised by the Third Estate, an elite sociopolitical group, on Wednesday night in Ilorin.

“I don’t see any political sense in the APC and ADC picking their candidates from the same local government area. No matter how you look at it, it is already an own goal for them,” he said.

“Both Engr. Yakubu Danladi and Hon. Zakari Mohammed are from Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State. They are both strong grassroots politicians in the area. What this means is that they will naturally divide the votes coming from there.”

According to him, Zakari Mohammed may enjoy a slight advantage because of his previous political exposure and experience at the federal level.

“Hon. Zakari particularly has an upper hand because he once represented the Baruten/Kaiama Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. So, he is not a stranger politically,” he added.

“So, what this means is that he will be sharing the same voting strength with his APC challenger across Kwara North.”

Lasiele said political parties should place greater emphasis on the independent electoral value of candidates rather than relying heavily on incumbency power or political godfatherism.

“The critical question parties should ask before choosing candidates is this: without incumbency or godfather backing, can this candidate stand on his own and win an election?” he queried.

“Any party whose candidate can independently tick that box already has a strong foundation. Party structure, funding, incumbency advantages and godfather influence should only come afterwards.”

The political scientist also criticised what he described as the growing politicisation of Eid prayer grounds, warning politicians against turning religious gatherings into campaign platforms.

“It is a desecration of the sanctity of the Eid ground for politicians to turn such spaces into campaign opportunities,” he said.

“I urge political stakeholders in the APC, PDP and other parties to exercise restraint and respect the sacredness of the space.”