Why APC deserves Ilorin Emirate massive vote: Balogun Gambari
• As kingmakers, key stakeholders tout Gov AbdulRazaq’s strides, back Danladi’s candidacy
KEHINDE AKINPELU, ILORIN
A high-ranking chief and Balogun Gambari of Ilorin, Alhaji Muhammad Aliyu Adebayo, has said Kwara State under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has witnessed unrivaled growth and development through strategic investments in basic infrastructure.
Alhaji Aliyu, the most senior war-lord and member of the kingmakers’ Council in the Emirate, who recalled the ugly experience of the residents in the past governments, said Governor AbdulRazaq has changed the narrative by making potable water, good road and healthcare service accessible to the people.
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He was speaking in Ilorin on Sunday when he received the candidates of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state on a ‘thank you’ visit to the Ilorin East Local Government, as led by the Gubernatorial candidate and Speaker Kwara House of Assembly Rt Hon Yakubu Danladi Salihu.
The Emirate high chief said that Rt. Hon Danladi will ride on the giant strides of Governor AbdulRazaq to get the overwhelming vote by the natives most especially the residents of Ilorin East in the next elections.
“All the 12 wards in Ilorin East Local Government have benefited greatly under this administration. So, it is a thing of pride and our assurance that the incoming Governor will get our vote. We are going to give him and other candidates of the party maximum support,” he said through the Baba-Isale of Ilorin, Alhaji Mustapha Abdullahi.
Baba-Isale spoke in the Balogun’s presence at the Palace where the Magaji Aare, Alhaji Shuaib Aremu Zubair, and all the Alanguas and Magajis within the district were also present.
“All traditional chiefs in Ilorin East are working for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq because of his commitment to the development of the Council and the state in general,” Balogun said.
“Are you still going about with plastic to fetch water? Before this administration, they used to supply water to various communities through water tankers. It is no longer the case. And on the road network, it is visible that some people could not even recognize some places within the city because of rapid development.
“We are very much aware that this development cuts across all the local governments in Kwara State. What else are we looking for? We only need to support the man that is doing wonderful jobs.
“We believe that SYD will consolidate on the gains of the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Both Ilorin East and the entire Ilorin Emirate, we declare our support for you and we pray for your success.”
The candidates also visited the Palace of Balogun Fulani, Alhaji Sidiq Abubakar Atiku Fulani, where they were warmly received by Balogun alongside the selected Alanguas and Magajis.
Balogun Fulani, Alhaji Atiku, for his part, pledged his support and prayed for the success of Hon Danladi and other candidates of the party.
Alangua Opolo and Chairman of Alangua and Magaji Forum in the Emirate, Alhaji Zulkarnaini AbdulRahman, spoke in the same direction, and however appealed to the gubernatorial candidate, Danladi to improve on the welfare of the village heads if given the mandate.
Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Governor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salau, praised Balogun Gambari and other traditional chiefs, who were present, for being hospitable and truthful, and for following the ‘right’ steps of the Emir of Ilorin on Danladi’s candidacy.
He said their testimonies about the sterling performance of the Governor shows their sense of gratitude, and assured them that Hon Danladi will not derail that path.
The APC train thereafter converged on M&M Event Centre, Ilorin where the candidates and some stakeholders addressed party supporters from both Ilorin East and Ilorin South.
In his comments, a top chieftain of the party in Ilorin East, Alhaji Usman Bibire Ajape, enjoined APC members and supporters to remain focused, and avoid distractions. He however said that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration has laid a solid foundation for development of the state.
“There is no reason why we should not vote for SYD because God is with us here. When we listened to traditional chiefs during our visit to them, we knew that all what they said was from the Emir of Ilorin. SYD is the right candidate. He has been very supportive of the administration, and that gives us assurance that he will not disappoint us,” Bibire said.
Danladi, in his address, appreciated the traditional chiefs, party faithful and stakeholders in the two Local Governments for their support, expressing confidence that APC will emerge victorious at the polls.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the gathering included Hon Abdulquawiy Olododo, Hon Mariam Yusuf Aladi, Hon Arinola Lawal, Chairmen of Ilorin East and Ilorin South, and some party executives, among others.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 9TH AUGUST, 2026)
