A group operating under the banner of Kwara Central Prominent Youths has declared its support for the emergence of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Danladi Yakubu, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The endorsement was announced on Sunday in a statement issued by the group’s Chairman, who said the decision followed extensive consultations and careful reflection on the political future of Kwara State.
According to the group, its support for Danladi Yakubu is rooted in the principles of justice, fairness, equity, and the collective interest of all Kwarans, rather than personal or sectional considerations.
The youths observed that since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, Kwara Central has produced governors for approximately 20 years, while Kwara South has occupied the office for eight years. They noted that Kwara North, despite its significant contributions to the state’s political growth and electoral successes, has yet to produce an elected governor.
“This is neither a complaint nor a narrative of marginalisation. Rather, it is an acknowledgment of reality and an appeal to our collective conscience,” the group stated.
They commended the people of Kwara North for their unwavering support for leaders from other senatorial districts over the years, stressing that the time had come to reciprocate that loyalty in the spirit of fairness, inclusion, and unity.
Describing Danladi Yakubu as a competent, experienced, youthful, and credible leader, the group said his candidature presents a unique opportunity to strengthen the bond among the three senatorial districts and further consolidate peace and unity across the state.
Highlighting his credentials, the youths pointed to his record as a two-term Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and former Chairman of the Conference of Progressive Speakers Forum, noting that he has consistently demonstrated leadership capacity, political maturity, and administrative competence.
They also commended his contributions to legislative stability and his support for policies aimed at improving the welfare of Kwarans, adding that his background as an academic and university administrator has further prepared him for higher responsibilities.
The group called on traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups, youth organisations, professionals, artisans, traders, students, and other stakeholders across the state’s 16 local government areas to support Danladi Yakubu’s aspiration.
“This moment transcends politics. It is about deepening unity, promoting inclusion, and ensuring that every section of Kwara State feels a genuine sense of belonging,” the statement noted.
The organisation also appealed to other APC governorship aspirants and their supporters to embrace sportsmanship and rally behind Danladi Yakubu in the interest of party cohesion and the continued development of the state.
While acknowledging the contributions and sacrifices of other aspirants, the group maintained that democracy ultimately produces one winner and urged all party members to unite behind the eventual choice of the party.
“APC remains one family, and every progressive is important to the success of our collective mission. No one should consider himself a loser because the ultimate objective is not personal ambition but the continued progress, stability, and prosperity of Kwara State,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to the ideals of justice, equity, and inclusive governance, the group expressed confidence that supporting Danladi Yakubu’s governorship aspiration would not only advance the cause of Kwara North but also strengthen the unity, stability, and future development of the state.
The youths concluded by calling on residents across Kwara State to support the Speaker’s aspiration and work collectively toward building a more united, inclusive, and prosperous state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Signed:
Abdulazeez Adeshina
Secretary, Kwara Central Prominent Youths
