2027: Ilorin Youth Groups Back Kwara Speaker’s Guber Bid
* Cite Equity, Generational Leadership
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Two prominent youth groups in the Ilorin Emirate have thrown their weight behind the gubernatorial aspiration of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing his bid as a quest for justice, inclusion and balanced representation.
The groups, Ilorin Emirate Dynamic Youth Initiative and Ilorin Emirate Youth Progressive for Communities, made their position known during a joint press conference addressed by Hon. Olamilekan Abdulwaheed on Monday in Ilorin.
According to the groups, supporting a candidate from Kwara North aligns with the principles of fairness and equity that have long defined the political culture of the Ilorin Emirate.
Abdulwaheed noted that since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Kwara Central and Kwara South had produced governors, while Kwara North remained excluded from occupying the state’s highest office.
“Our position is founded on the enduring values of equity, fairness, justice and empathy for which the Ilorin Emirate is widely respected. We believe that the strength of Kwara State lies in ensuring that every senatorial district enjoys a sense of belonging and equal opportunity in the leadership of our state,” he said.
The groups argued that Danladi’s ambition should not be viewed as a personal political project but as a legitimate demand for inclusion by a region that has contributed significantly to the political and socio-economic development of the state.
They also stressed that backing a Kwara North candidate would be a demonstration of gratitude for the political support the district has consistently extended to Kwara Central over the years.
“We also believe that supporting a candidate from Kwara North is a fitting reciprocation of the consistent 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,” Abdulwaheed stated.
Highlighting the importance of youth participation in governance, the groups described Danladi as a leader capable of inspiring a new generation of politically active young people.
“As a young leader himself, he possesses a unique opportunity to elevate youth inclusion, participation and empowerment across the state,” the statement said.
They further pointed to Danladi’s credentials as an engineer, former lecturer and former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, saying his experience in public service has equipped him with the capacity to provide effective leadership.
The youth groups warned that denying any section of the state access to leadership opportunities could undermine social cohesion and sustainable development.
According to them, ensuring that every senatorial district has a fair chance at governance remains critical to maintaining peace, unity and political stability in Kwara State.
“For lasting peace, stability and progress, every component of the state must feel represented and valued. 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,” Abdulwaheed added.
The groups subsequently appealed to APC leaders, political stakeholders and residents of the state to rally behind Danladi’s governorship aspiration and support the emergence of a governor from Kwara North in 2027.
They maintained that the decision would strengthen the spirit of inclusiveness and reinforce the bonds of cooperation that have sustained Kwara’s political landscape over the years.
