- the governor reiterated that the party’s internal process and the candidates’ capabilities would determine the eventual nominee
- AbdulRazaq urged aspirants and party members to maintain unity before and after the primaries
- He also praised APC members for sustaining party cohesion, pointing to the peaceful conduct of the congress as a sign of strength
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Tuesday refuted claims that he had endorsed or would handpick a successor ahead of the 2027 governorship elections, emphasizing that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would conduct an open, merit-driven primary process.
Speaking in Ilorin during the party’s state congress, Eko Hot Blog reports that AbdulRazaq dismissed rumors suggesting he intended to back a candidate from the Kwara North Senatorial District.
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“This is not about anyone anointing a successor. We are here to build a legacy, not a dynasty. Whoever follows me should build on the progress we have made and aim even higher,” he stated.
Addressing the succession debate, the governor reiterated that the party’s internal process and the candidates’ capabilities would determine the eventual nominee, without formal zoning arrangements.
“We have set a high standard in Kwara State, and the next leader will be expected to raise it further,” AbdulRazaq said.
The governor revealed that six individuals, including a member of the state House of Assembly, have declared interest in running for governor, describing the competition as “tough but healthy” for internal party democracy.
“When I talk about healthy competition, I mean it will be challenging. Among the aspirants, we even have members of our state House of Assembly. It promises to be a strong contest,” he added.
AbdulRazaq urged aspirants and party members to maintain unity before and after the primaries, stressing that the eventual winner must include others in the governance process to promote cohesion.
“The competition should be constructive, and whoever emerges should ensure that those who do not succeed are carried along to maintain unity,” he advised.
He also praised APC members for sustaining party cohesion, pointing to the peaceful conduct of the congress as a sign of strength.
“As you can see, the opposition has weakened nationally and in Kwara State, with defections from the PDP and ADC strengthening the APC,” he noted.
Highlighting his administration’s accomplishments, AbdulRazaq pointed to significant progress in infrastructure, education, and healthcare over the past six years, asserting that the state had been transformed under his leadership.
“What will the opposition campaign on? We have delivered in key sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare, and implemented impactful social development programs,” he said.
He further credited President Bola Tinubu’s leadership for boosting confidence in the APC at the national level, noting improvements in economic performance and governance.
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