APC Elders Reject Plot to Impose Candidate in Kwara

Elders and gubernatorial aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State have raised alarms over an alleged plot to impose Yakubu Danladi Salihu, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, as the party's candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial elections. During a meeting held in Abuja from June 17 to June 18, 2023, attended by ten gubernatorial aspirants including Dr. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa and Salihu Mustapha, the group expressed their concerns regarding a scheme purportedly aimed at mobilizing traditional rulers to endorse Salihu.

They dismissed any insinuation that the party had resolved to back Salihu as a candidate, emphasizing that no gubernatorial primary elections had been conducted in the state. The elders cautioned against involving traditional rulers in political matters, asserting that such actions undermine their dignity and respect.

They also highlighted that previous administrations had not engaged traditional rulers in the nomination processes for gubernatorial candidates, urging respect for the traditional institution.