Ahead of tomorrow’s gubernatorial primary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State Tuesday unveiled Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki as his preferred candidate, triggering a wave of endorsements from party stakeholders, political blocs and transport unions across the state.
AbdulRazaq, in a statement issued after what he described as extensive consultations with party leaders and stakeholders within and outside the state, said Seriki possesses the capacity, political reach and grassroots appeal required to sustain the administration’s programmes and consolidate the party’s hold on the state.
The governor described Seriki, chairman of the Kursi Group, as a “young, pro-people, astute and broad-minded” political mobiliser with deep investments and widespread goodwill across the state.
“Young, pro-people, astute, and broad-minded, Amb. Yahaya Seriki has been a great political mobiliser with profound investments in and extensive goodwill among the people of Kwara State. I have no doubt about his capacity and that his choice is appropriate for the people of our state at this time,” AbdulRazaq stated.
The governor, however, stressed that the endorsement did not foreclose the rights of other aspirants to participate in the primary election, urging party members and leaders to support Seriki in the interest of unity, cohesion and continued electoral success for the APC in the state.
He commended the conduct of the other aspirants, saying they had demonstrated discipline and commitment to the development of the state through their campaigns and engagements ahead of the primaries.
The announcement immediately reshaped the political landscape within the ruling party, as major stakeholders and support groups moved swiftly to align with the governor’s choice.
Among the earliest endorsements was that of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, a leading governorship aspirant, who congratulated Seriki on the endorsement and pledged to work for his emergence at the primaries.
Similarly, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Prof. Abubakar Suleiman, announced his withdrawal from the governorship race shortly after the governor’s declaration.
The former minister of National Planning, cited the need for unity, responsibility, and the greater interest of the party and the state.
Sulaiman announced his decision in a statement issued on Tuesday after what he described as “extensive consultations and recent developments” within the political landscape of the state.
The former aspirant said his decision was inspired by a commitment to peace, party cohesion, and the overall progress of Kwara State, stressing that leadership must be guided by wisdom and responsibility rather than personal ambition.
He explained that his initial decision to seek the governorship position was borne out of a desire to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and to respond to the aspirations of citizens yearning for a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Kwara.
According to him, interactions with people across Kwara North, Kwara South, and Kwara Central convinced him that the state possesses enormous potential that must be harnessed through visionary and inclusive leadership.
Sulaiman expressed appreciation to his supporters and political associates across the state for the encouragement, prayers, and goodwill extended to him throughout the period of his aspiration.
He, however, stated that despite stepping down from the race, his commitment to the future of the state and the success of the APC remained unwavering.
The former aspirant reaffirmed his loyalty to the ruling party and pledged continued support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as efforts aimed at strengthening the APC in Kwara State ahead of future elections.
He said, “While I may no longer be participating in this contest, my belief in the future of Kwara State remains unwavering.
“I also reaffirm my loyalty and commitment to our great party, the APC, and to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Sulaiman added that he would continue to work with stakeholders to promote peace, unity, and development within the party and the state.
Political observers believe the withdrawal may reshape the dynamics of the APC governorship contest in Kwara State as consultations intensify ahead of the party primaries.
The development is also expected to trigger fresh alignments among party stakeholders and supporters across the three senatorial districts of the state.
Sulaiman urged his supporters not to be discouraged by the decision, describing the move as the end of a political process but not the end of the collective aspiration for a better Kwara State.
He concluded by calling for continued support for the APC and prayers for peace and progress in Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole.
The support base for Seriki continued to expand on Tuesday evening, with APC structures across the state indicating readiness to back his candidacy ahead of Thursday’s exercise.
Local government party chairmen in Kwara Central and Kwara South were among the first to publicly endorse him, while the state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) also declared support for the governor’s decision.
ALGON Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Danladi, said council chairmen across the state were united behind the choice made by the governor, describing it as one aimed at strengthening party cohesion and stability.
Several sociocultural groups in Kwara Central also sent congratulatory messages to the APC nominee, while no fewer than five influential party blocs were said to be preparing endorsement rallies and solidarity engagements for Wednesday, in what party insiders described as a move that could further cement Seriki’s path to victory at the primaries.
In a further demonstration of growing momentum around his candidacy, thousands of party supporters and loyalists reportedly thronged the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport area and adjoining routes in Ilorin to welcome Seriki to the state barely hours after the governor’s announcement.
The development is widely seen as a major turning point in the APC succession battle in Kwara, with political observers saying AbdulRazaq’s endorsement may significantly influence the outcome of Thursday’s governorship primaries.
Sunday Aborisade
