Kwara 2027: Ilorin Emirate youths endorse Danladi for APC ticket

Youth groups from the Ilorin Emirate have declared their support for Yakubu Salihu Danladi, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, to emerge as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The endorsement was announced on Monday at a joint press conference organised by the Ilorin Emirate Dynamic Youth Initiative and the Ilorin Emirate Youth Progressives for Communities, held in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Speaking on behalf of the groups, Abdulwaheed Olamilekan, their spokesman, said it was time for the Kwara North Senatorial District to produce the state’s governor in the interest of equity, fairness and inclusive governance.

He explained that the position of the groups was guided by the long-standing principles of justice, fairness, and balanced representation traditionally associated with the Ilorin Emirate.

“We believe that supporting the governorship aspiration of Yakubu Danladi Salihu is not only a political decision but also a moral obligation rooted in fairness, justice and equity,” the groups stated.

According to them, while Kwara Central and Kwara South Senatorial Districts have produced governors since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Kwara North remains the only district yet to occupy the state’s highest political office.

“Since 1999, Kwara North has not had the opportunity to produce a governor. It is therefore only fair and just that the district be supported to occupy the office in 2027,” they said.

The groups described Danladi’s aspiration as a legitimate quest for inclusion and political balance, stressing that supporting a candidate from Kwara North would strengthen unity and foster a greater sense of belonging among the state’s diverse communities.

They further noted that the endorsement reflected appreciation for the district’s consistent support for governorship candidates from other senatorial zones over the years.

“Kwara North has consistently supported candidates from other districts. Supporting the district’s aspiration in 2027 is a gesture of reciprocity that will further strengthen the bond of unity across the state,” they added.

Highlighting Danladi’s credentials as an engineer, former lecturer and Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, the youth groups said his experience, competence and youthful leadership make him well-suited to drive development across the state.

“Yakubu Salihu Danladi possesses the competence, experience and youthful energy required to deepen youth participation, empowerment and sustainable development across Kwara State,” the groups said.

They called on APC leaders, stakeholders and residents of the state to support Danladi’s aspiration and ensure that Kwara North produces the next governor in 2027.

Giving all sections of the state a sense of belonging, according to them, would promote social cohesion, political stability, peace and sustainable development.