Kwara 2027: Ilorin Youth Groups Throw Weight Behind Danladi, Advocate Power Shift to North
KEHINDE AKINPELU,ILORIN
Two youth organisations in Ilorin Emirate have endorsed the governorship aspiration of former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Salihu Yakubu Danladi, urging the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone its 2027 governorship ticket to Kwara North Senatorial District in the interest of fairness and balanced representation.
The groups, Ilorin Emirate Dynamic Youth Initiative and Ilorin Emirate Youth Progressive for Communities, declared their support during a joint press conference in Ilorin, where they argued that allowing Kwara North to produce the next governor would strengthen unity and deepen the spirit of inclusion across the state.
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Speaking on behalf of the groups, Hon. Olamilekan Abdulwaheed said the endorsement was driven by the values of justice, equity and mutual respect, which he described as enduring principles of the Ilorin Emirate.
He noted that since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Kwara Central and Kwara South had both occupied the governorship position, while Kwara North had yet to produce a governor.
“Since 1999, Kwara Central has produced governors for about 20 years, while Kwara South has occupied the office for eight years. Kwara North, despite its immense contributions to the growth, stability and political development of the state, is yet to produce a governor in the current democratic dispensation,” Abdulwaheed said.
The groups maintained that Danladi’s ambition transcends personal political interest and represents a broader demand for equity and inclusion for the people of Kwara North.
According to Abdulwaheed, supporting a candidate from the district would also acknowledge the political loyalty and support Kwara North has consistently extended to other parts of the state.
“We believe that supporting a candidate from Kwara North is a fitting reciprocation of the unwavering support and solidarity that the people of Kwara North have extended to Kwara Central over the years. Justice is best sustained when loyalty and support are acknowledged and reciprocated,” he stated.
The youth leaders argued that rotating power to Kwara North would foster a stronger sense of belonging among all communities and contribute to long-term political stability and development.
They also stressed that the younger generation in Ilorin Emirate is committed to promoting fairness and justice in the state’s political process.
Highlighting Danladi’s credentials, the groups described him as a seasoned administrator with experience in public service, academia and legislative leadership. They said his background as an engineer, former lecturer and former Speaker has equipped him with the capacity to lead the state effectively.
The groups further pointed to his age and leadership style as qualities that resonate with young people across Kwara, expressing confidence that he would prioritise youth participation and empowerment if elected governor.
“Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi also represents the aspirations of the younger generation. As a young leader himself, he possesses a unique opportunity to elevate youth inclusion, participation and empowerment across the state,” Abdulwaheed added.
The organisations warned that excluding any section of the state from leadership opportunities could create feelings of marginalisation and weaken social harmony.
“Supporting Kwara North at this time is therefore not only a matter of fairness but also a strategic investment in the unity and future development of Kwara State,” he said.
They consequently appealed to APC leaders, stakeholders and residents of the state to support Danladi’s aspiration and back the emergence of a governor from Kwara North in the 2027 election.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JUNE 10TH 2026)
