Youth Politicians in Kwara State Call for Unity Among APC Candidates
A coalition of young politicians in Kwara State has urged discontented governorship candidates within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to set aside their grievances and rally behind the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, who is supported by the current Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
Support for Danladi’s Candidacy Gains Momentum
On Friday, the Kwara South Young Professionals in Politics, the group backing Danladi’s candidacy, expressed optimism that the APC would soon bridge its internal divides, enabling it to retain all 35 elective positions in the upcoming elections.
Mobilization Efforts to Engage Young Voters
Abdulrosheed Akogun, a member of the group and an aspiring candidate for the House of Representatives, shared his insights in an interview with Arewa Punch. He emphasized the team’s work in mobilizing residents, particularly the youth, to engage more actively in the electoral process through increased voter registration and the collection of permanent voter cards.
Empowering the Grassroots with Political Awareness
According to Akogun, the group is composed of skilled politicians dedicated to fostering grassroots political engagement. “Our primary mission is to encourage civic participation, especially among young people, and to raise awareness about the importance of obtaining a PVC and voting according to one’s beliefs,” he noted.
Validating Aspirants’ Grievances within the Party
In addressing the concerns of some disheartened APC gubernatorial candidates following the party’s primaries, Akogun affirmed their right to voice their frustrations. He stated, “Expressing grievances is a fundamental right, especially when candidates feel they have been treated unfairly.” He acknowledged that those dissatisfied with the party’s decisions still demonstrate their commitment to the APC by opting to stay and voice their concerns.
Optimism for Reconciliation and Stronger Party Unity
Akogun remains hopeful that the aspiring candidates will soon reconcile with the party leadership and unite behind Danladi for his candidacy. “I am confident that in the coming days, all stakeholders will come together in support of Salih Yaqub Danladi’s candidacy, ensuring his decisive victory,” he predicted.
Calls for Collaborative Efforts Towards a Unified Party
Lukman Zimba, chairman of the Kwara South Young Professionals group, articulated his support for Danladi rooted in principles of equity and fairness, arguing that Kwara North deserves to produce the state’s first democratically elected governor from the region. He emphasized that unity among party members, traditional leaders, youth, women, and other stakeholders across all local governments is crucial for sustaining the achievements of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and securing victory in the forthcoming elections.
Concerns Over Internal Dissent in the APC
This call for unity comes amid growing dissatisfaction within the Kwara APC following Danladi’s selection as the party’s gubernatorial candidate. Recently, ten APC gubernatorial candidates submitted a petition to President Bola Tinubu, alleging that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq lacks the moral authority to guide the party’s future in the state. The aspirants have requested presidential intervention to mitigate the deepening internal crisis threatening the party’s prospects in the 2027 elections.
