Internal conversations ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State are gaining momentum, following a call by a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Isaac Adeyemi, for the party to abandon zoning arrangements and prioritise competence in choosing its next candidate.
Speaking amid growing agitation over which senatorial district should produce the next governor, Adeyemi argued that zoning has no firm historical foundation in Kwara politics. Naija247News gathered that the APC stalwart believes opening the contest to all qualified aspirants would strengthen party unity and prevent avoidable divisions within the ruling party.
According to Adeyemi, restricting the governorship ticket to a particular zone could alienate capable party members and undermine internal democracy. He maintained that the APC’s strength lies in inclusiveness and warned that shutting doors on aspirants under the banner of zoning could fuel resentment ahead of the crucial election year.
Naija247News understands that zoning advocates, particularly from Kwara North, have intensified calls for power rotation, arguing that the zone has never produced a governor. However, Adeyemi dismissed such arguments as politically motivated, stressing that previous elections were openly contested across districts without any formal zoning arrangement.
He pointed out that in the last governorship election cycle, aspirants from different senatorial districts freely contested, with voters ultimately deciding the outcome. For him, competence, vision, and capacity to deliver development should outweigh geographical considerations if Kwara State is to sustain progress.
The APC chieftain also raised concerns about what he described as the gradual politicisation of traditional institutions. Naija247News gathered that Adeyemi cautioned monarchs to remain neutral and act as fathers to all, warning that political endorsements by traditional rulers could erode public trust and inflame tensions.
Assessing the current administration, Adeyemi commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for infrastructural development, particularly in Kwara Central. However, he urged the government to ensure equitable distribution of projects and opportunities across all zones, including increased patronage of local contractors to stimulate grassroots economic growth.
Naija247News reports that he also expressed dissatisfaction with what he perceived as weak internal party mobilisation, noting that regular political engagement and grassroots meetings should take precedence over ceremonial activities.
While acknowledging the support of President Bola Tinubu for his senatorial district, Adeyemi noted that political aspirations in Kwara South remain strong. He appealed for broader opportunities within the APC framework, insisting that open competition would give every zone a sense of belonging.
As 2027 approaches, Naija247News understands that the debate over zoning versus merit is likely to intensify, with party leaders facing the delicate task of balancing equity, competence, and unity in shaping Kwara’s political future.
Babatunde Ogunsakin ✔
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