How Danladi, incumbent speaker, secured APC gov’ship ticket for Kwara North

For a period of time, the question of political inclusion and equitable power distribution has remained a recurring theme in Kwara State politics. Across the three senatorial districts; Kwara Central, Kwara South and Kwara North, discussions about fairness in the allocation of key political offices have often shaped electoral conversations and influenced political alignments.

Today, many stakeholders believe one of the State’s longest-standing political agitations has been substantially addressed following the emergence of Salihu Yakubu Danladi, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, as the Governorship candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 elections.

The development has generated excitement across Kwara North Senatorial District, where political leaders, traditional rulers and residents have long argued that the District deserves an opportunity to lead the State.

In what many observers described as a symbolic moment, traditional rulers from across Kwara North recently paid a thank-you visit to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, expressing appreciation for what they viewed as the resolution of a decades-long quest for political inclusion.

Leading the delegation was the Etsu Patigi, Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, alongside other first-class traditional rulers representing various emirates and districts in the region.

Addressing the governor during the visit, the monarch described Danladi’s emergence as a milestone for the people of Kwara North.

“Your Excellency, the entire people of Kwara North are here this afternoon to thank you for what you have done for us. One of our sons, Salihu Yakubu Danladi, has become the flag bearer of the APC for the 2027 governorship election and we are immensely grateful,” the Etsu Patigi said.

The royal father noted that the district’s demand for greater political representation had persisted for years, adding that many residents viewed the APC’s decision as a response to those aspirations.

According to him, the people of the region are appreciative not only of the governorship ticket but also of the developmental projects undertaken by the Abdulrazaq administration in the district.

“We also thank you for everything you have been doing for us as a region. You have heard our cries and this has been a very long agitation from our people. Today, by the grace of God, Allah has made it possible through you,” he added.

The monarch further extended gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC stakeholders for supporting a process that ultimately produced a candidate from Kwara North.

Power rotation, often referred to as zoning, remains one of the most enduring mechanisms for managing political diversity in Nigeria. Though not always enshrined in law, the principle is widely embraced as a means of promoting inclusion, reducing political tensions and fostering a sense of belonging among different groups.

In Kwara State, supporters of zoning argue that rotating leadership among the senatorial districts strengthens unity and prevents feelings of marginalisation.

Governor Abdulrazaq echoed this sentiment while receiving the traditional rulers.

Describing their visit as a strong endorsement of the zoning arrangement, the governor said the APC’s decision was guided by the principles of fairness, equity and balanced development.

“Moving political leadership around is important for fairness and equity. This is also good for development and sense of belonging,” he said.

Drawing parallels with national politics, Abdulrazaq noted that power rotation has helped maintain political stability in Nigeria by ensuring that different regions have opportunities to occupy leadership positions.

“It is about development, peace, harmony and equity. That is what we are looking at here,” the governor added.

Beyond celebrating Danladi’s emergence, the governor urged the people of Kwara North to unite behind the candidacy and ensure that the opportunity translates into electoral victory.

He warned that failure to take advantage of the moment could reinforce long-held perceptions that the district lacks political cohesion.

“I believe the people of Kwara North will grab this opportunity by voting overwhelmingly to make sure this becomes a reality,” he said.

According to him, political opportunities of such magnitude do not come frequently, making it imperative for the district to demonstrate unity and commitment.

His remarks reflected a broader conversation within the state’s political landscape about the ability of regional interests to translate into collective political action.

The governor also acknowledged the role played by President Tinubu in fostering an atmosphere that allowed the issue to be resolved.

“It is under his leadership that most of these issues have been equitably resolved,” Abdulrazaq said.

The APC governorship primary provided a practical test of the party’s commitment to zoning and internal democracy.

At the conclusion of the exercise conducted across the state’s 193 wards, Salihu Yakubu Danladi emerged victorious with a commanding lead over his opponents.

Musiliu Obanikoro, Chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee and Returning Officer, announced that Danladi secured 94,990 votes, representing more than 65 per cent of the ballots cast.

His closest challenger, Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, polled 41,700 votes, while Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa received 22,118 votes.

The outcome effectively confirmed Danladi as the APC’s standard-bearer for the 2027 governorship election and positioned him as the leading contender in the race to succeed Governor Abdulrazaq.

In his acceptance speech, Danladi expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Governor Abdulrazaq and APC stakeholders for their support.

He pledged to build upon the achievements of the current administration and sustain its developmental agenda.

Having served as Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly for nearly seven years, Danladi argued that he had been actively involved in shaping many of the policies and programmes implemented by the Abdulrazaq administration.

“We are part and parcel of this administration. As a Speaker for almost seven years today, I am practically a part of all the policies of Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

“All I need to say is legacy continues and our state will be better for it,” he stated.

For many residents of Kwara North, the significance of Danladi’s emergence extends beyond partisan politics. It represents recognition, inclusion and the fulfilment of a long-held aspiration for greater participation in the state’s leadership structure.

Whether the development ultimately translates into electoral success in 2027 remains to be seen. However, for now, the mood across much of Kwara North is one of celebration and optimism.

The emergence of an APC governorship candidate from the district has rekindled hopes that political power can be used not only as a tool for governance but also as an instrument for fostering unity, equity and a stronger sense of belonging among all sections of Kwara State.