The Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has defended the emergence of Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election, describing him as a competent and experienced leader capable of sustaining the developmental strides of the current administration.
The state chairman of the party, Sunday Fagbemi, made the assertion during an appearance on TVC’s Breakfast Show, where he dismissed criticisms surrounding the outcome of the party’s governorship primary.
According to Fagbemi, Danladi-Salihu emerged through a transparent and credible electoral process conducted by the APC, insisting that the exercise reflected the wishes of party members across the state.
“A free, fair and credible primary election was conducted in Kwara State and a winner emerged. The process was transparent and in line with the party’s democratic principles,” he said.
Fagbemi noted that the APC candidate possesses the requisite experience and leadership qualities needed to govern the state, citing his performance during his tenure as Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly.
He explained that Danladi-Salihu successfully served two consecutive terms as Speaker, maintaining cordial relationships with other arms of government and ensuring stability within the legislature.
“When we talk about competence, we are referring to someone who served as Speaker for two terms without major rancour. He demonstrated leadership, fostered cooperation and worked effectively with other arms of government. Those are qualities that speak to his capacity,” Fagbemi stated.
Danladi-Salihu, who currently represents Ilesha/Gwanara Constituency in the State House of Assembly, recently secured the APC governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election.
The APC chairman also rejected allegations that the candidate’s emergence was linked to an alleged third-term agenda for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
According to him, such claims were baseless and politically motivated.
“Danladi is a bona fide Kwaran seeking to contest for governor. The issue of a third-term agenda does not arise. Critics would have found one allegation or another regardless of who emerged as candidate,” he said.
Fagbemi further dismissed suggestions that influential stakeholders were being marginalised within the ruling party, maintaining that the APC remained united and continued to attract support across the state.
He argued that the party’s growing popularity was evident in the increasing number of opposition members and grassroots leaders joining its ranks.
“Many of those making these allegations had left the party before the 2023 elections, yet APC still won convincingly. Today, many opposition figures are returning because they recognise the achievements of the party,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the party’s chances in the next election cycle, Fagbemi said the APC would campaign on the achievements of Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration in key sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure and security.
He claimed that significant developmental projects had been executed across the state’s 193 wards, including improvements in healthcare delivery and urban renewal programmes.
“There is hardly any ward in Kwara State today without access to a functional healthcare facility. Across the state, infrastructure projects and educational developments are visible for everyone to see,” he added.
The APC chairman expressed optimism that the party would secure another electoral victory in 2027, insisting that the administration’s performance had earned the confidence of the people.
“We are confident that Kwarans will support our candidate because of the results they can see. We will continue to engage the people and present our achievements. By the grace of God, APC will emerge victorious in 2027,” Fagbemi said.
