By Ola Taiwo
Barely days after the conclusion of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections in Kwara State, the ruling party has found itself projecting two contrasting images to the public — one of celebration, unity and confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections, and the other of open dissent, allegations of exclusion and calls for intervention from the party’s national leadership.
Within 24 hours, Ilorin witnessed two massive political gatherings that captured the competing narratives within the Kwara APC. While one faction led by party elders, serving senators and governorship aspirants staged a peaceful protest against what they described as an unfair primary process, another group comprising party leaders and candidates organised a “Thank You” rally, insisting the primaries reflected the will of party members and demonstrated the party’s readiness for another electoral victory.
The unfolding developments have brought to the fore the challenge facing the ruling party as it seeks to balance internal reconciliation with preparations for the 2027 polls.
The first demonstration saw members of the Kwara APC Elders Caucus, governorship aspirants and stakeholders march through major streets of Ilorin to register their dissatisfaction with the conduct of the party’s primaries.
The protesters, led by octogenarian Chairman of the APC Elders Caucus, Chief James Ayeni, moved in a long convoy from the airport through Gari Alimi Roundabout to the Emir’s Palace Gate before ending the rally at the General Post Office area.
Among those who led the protest were the three serving Senators from the state namely Salihu Mustapha (who doubles as a governorship aspirant), Oyelola Ashiru and Sadiq Umar. They also include governorship aspirants who are Senator, Ibrahim Oloriegbe (a former senator), and Alhaji Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki
Addressing journalists during the protest, Senator Mustapha said the rally represented the collective voice of aggrieved party members rather than personal ambitions.
“The rally has been spontaneous by major stakeholders. Card-carrying members of APC participated because we are not happy with the kind of leadership that has bedevilled us for some time in terms of the party structure.
“We are using this protest to register our rejection of whatever processes and the way and manner the so-called leadership in the state has endorsed a particular governorship candidate. We are not saying we don’t like anybody. We believe there must be equity and fairness so everyone can have a sense of belonging.”
He maintained that the protest was intended to protect the future of the APC in Kwara rather than serve individual interests.
“We are not doing this rally out of selfishness. It is because we believe APC has better opportunities in this state. This is a collective decision.”
Echoing similar concerns, Senator Ashiru warned that unresolved grievances could threaten the party’s electoral fortunes.
“We are here mainly because we want to protect the legacy of our President. He has done so much for Kwara State. But if we are not careful, the curtains might be drawn on APC in the state. The party has become our DNA and that is why we are calling on the President to listen to our reasonable voice.”
Senator Oloriegbe also questioned the transparency of the processes that produced candidates for various elective positions.
“We want inclusiveness and a situation where every stakeholder is carried along. We have a leadership that does not carry anybody along as far as governance and party structure are concerned. That is why we have all come together to rescue our party and our state.”
Seriki on his own while maintaining that the APC is one in the state appealed urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the crisis threatening unity of the party.
“We thank the President, our father. APC is one big family in Kwara State and we urge him to intervene in this crisis.”
However, while one section of the party was publicly expressing dissatisfaction, another faction filled the streets of Ilorin with thousands of supporters in what the organisers described as the “Kwara Ndupe Rally” (i.e. Kwara is making gratitudes)
The rally drew party leaders, candidates and supporters who marched through major roads in the state capital carrying banners, campaign materials and party insignia in celebration of what they described as successful and peaceful primaries.
The gathering was also used to reaffirm support for President Tinubu, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, APC governorship candidate Engr. Yakubu Danladi Salihu (who is the incumbent Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and other party candidates.
Leader of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Barrister Oba Magaji Abdulkadri, described the turnout as proof that the APC remained united despite recent disagreements.
“We are very happy. Everyone is in a joyous mood. The future in Kwara State is APC from top to bottom by the grace of Allah. We are not afraid of the opposition. We will continue to remain united and work together for the progress of the party and the state.”
Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Governor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salau, urged party members to translate the enthusiasm displayed during the rally into electoral mobilisation.
“This rally must translate to PVC collection, voter registration and polling-unit victory in February 2027. There must not be complacency.
“We will campaign on record, not insults, because our party has roads, schools, hospitals and regular payment of salaries to show Kwarans.”
State APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, said the overwhelming turnout strengthened his confidence in the party’s electoral prospects while appealing to aggrieved members to allow internal reconciliation mechanisms to work.
“We have seen that all our candidates are in. More people are still joining our party. Those with grievances should allow the party to address their concerns.”
The party’s reconciliation message was reinforced by the Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulateef Alakawa.
“In every democratic process there will be winners and others who may not emerge. As far as APC is concerned, we have no losers. The party has already constituted a reconciliation committee and we are confident all issues will be resolved.”
APC candidates who addressed supporters also expressed optimism that the party would retain power in the state in 2027.
Kwara North Senatorial candidate, Dr Ahmad Umar Muhammad, said the zoning of the governorship ticket to Kwara North reflected fairness and inclusiveness.
“We appreciate the people of Kwara State for giving Kwara North the opportunity to produce the next governor. Today’s rally demonstrates the confidence and support the people have for Governor Abdulrazaq and the APC.”
House of Representatives candidate for Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, Dr Rafiu Ajakaye, described the crowd as evidence that the APC remains the dominant political force in the state.
“The crowd here is a testament to the fact that the APC is the party to beat. The election is ours to win. We have won before and the support we are seeing today is organic.”
The momentum continued when party leaders and candidates paid a solidarity visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, to seek royal blessings ahead of the 2027 elections.
Receiving the delegation at his palace, the Emir commended Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration and openly prayed for the success of all APC candidates.
“Whoever sees good things and chooses not to say it is insincere. Let us call a spade a spade. The Governor has performed well. Starting from Governor AbdulRazaq to all the candidates of the party, God will grant you electoral success.”
Responding to concerns over internal disagreements, APC governorship candidate, Danladi, acknowledged that democracy naturally accommodates differing interests but assured members that reconciliation efforts were already underway.
“Where there is peace, there is development. Let us come to the round table and, by God’s grace, we will carry everyone along. APC is a big family and the reconciliation committee will do justice to every issue.
“We are seeing thousands of our members on the streets of Ilorin supporting us. We are grateful to Kwarans, and by God’s grace what they have shown today is what they will show in 2027.”
The contrasting events have laid bare the delicate balancing act confronting the Kwara APC. While party leaders continue to project confidence in retaining power and insist reconciliation efforts are progressing, the public protest by senior stakeholders underscores lingering grievances over internal democracy.
For political observers, the coming months may determine whether the ruling party successfully heals its internal wounds before facing the electorate, or whether unresolved divisions become a defining factor in Kwara’s political contest ahead of the 2027 general elections.
