By Gbolahan Adetayo
Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara South have called for the zoning of the state’s governorship seat to Kwara North ahead of the 2027 general elections, endorsing Senator Sodiq Suleiman Umar as their preferred candidate.
The position was made known on Friday at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Offa Local Government Area, where party leaders also declared support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.
Speaking at the gathering, Chairman of the APC Kwara South Elders Forum, Chief James Ayeni, said the call for zoning was driven by the need to promote equity, fairness, and inclusiveness within the state’s political structure.
He noted that Kwara North had been denied the opportunity to produce a governor for nearly three decades, describing the situation as a longstanding imbalance that should be addressed in the interest of justice and unity.
“For close to 28 years, Kwara North has not occupied the governorship seat. This has tested the patience of the people and challenges the principles of fairness on which democracy is built,” Ayeni said.
He urged stakeholders across the state to close ranks and support the emergence of Senator Umar as the APC flagbearer, expressing confidence in his capacity to lead Kwara to greater heights.
In his remarks, Professor Biodun Afolayan emphasized the need for unity within the party, noting that collective support for both President Tinubu and Senator Umar would be crucial to securing victory in the 2027 elections.
Afolayan reiterated that zoning the governorship to Kwara North would not only ensure balanced representation but also strengthen political stability across the state.
Other stakeholders at the meeting echoed similar sentiments, describing Senator Umar as a credible and experienced leader whose performance in the Senate has distinguished him as a worthy contender for the governorship seat.
They commended his legislative track record and engagement with constituents, noting that his leadership qualities, accessibility, and commitment to development position him as a strong candidate capable of uniting the state.
Observers say the endorsement by Kwara South elders marks a significant development in the build-up to the 2027 elections, as momentum continues to grow around the call for power rotation and inclusive governance in Kwara State.
The meeting concluded with a renewed appeal to party faithful and stakeholders across all senatorial districts to support the zoning arrangement and rally behind Senator Umar’s gubernatorial ambition.
