By Seyi Odewale
The Elders Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has rejected the emergence of Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yakubu Salihu Danladi, as the party’s preferred governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The group told President Bola Tinubu and the party’s national leadership that the move could jeopardise the APC’s electoral fortunes in the state.
Addressing a press conference in Ilorin on Monday, leaders of the caucus accused Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of misrepresenting the political situation in Kwara to the Presidency and the national leadership of the party, insisting that Danladi lacks the political strength, statewide appeal and acceptability required to retain power for the APC.
The caucus, regarded as the party’s apex advisory body in the state, said it decided to speak publicly after exhausting internal mechanisms without success.
The briefing was led by the caucus chairman, Chief James Bamisaiye Ayeni, alongside Senator Mohammed Ahmed (Kwara North), Senator Makanju Ajadi (Kwara South) and Hon. Salman Jawondo (SAN) of Kwara Central.
According to the elders, the APC in Kwara has reached a critical juncture and requires honest appraisal rather than what they described as attempts to impose a candidate on the party.
“We have invited you here today because we believe the APC in Kwara State is standing at a crossroads and that those who genuinely love this party can no longer afford the luxury of silence,” the caucus said.
The elders described themselves as the conscience of the party, noting that they had remained loyal to the APC and had consistently offered guidance and constructive criticism to preserve the party’s progressive ideals.
They said extensive consultations across the state convinced them that Danladi was not the strongest option available to the APC ahead of the governorship contest.
The caucus stressed that its opposition to Danladi’s candidacy was not personal.
The elders argued that the opposition in Kwara had become more formidable and that the APC could not afford to underestimate the changing political landscape.
The caucus also faulted Governor AbdulRazaq, accusing him of failing to place the party’s collective interest above personal considerations.
They further alleged that Danladi’s popularity had been exaggerated through orchestrated endorsements and media campaigns intended to create a false impression among stakeholders.
The caucus also alleged that some presidential aides were working behind the scenes to advance Danladi’s candidacy for personal benefits.
The group appealed to President Tinubu, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and members of the National Working Committee to intervene and undertake broader consultations with stakeholders in the state before any final decision is taken.
Despite their reservations, the elders reaffirmed their loyalty to President Tinubu and pledged continued support for his administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
