Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has rejected claims that he has endorsed a successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election, saying the All Progressives Congress will hold an open and merit-based primary. He spoke on Tuesday at the APC State Congress in Ilorin, amid growing rumours that he plans to back a candidate from Kwara North Senatorial District.
“For those who will contest and whoever eventually emerges, it is not about anyone anointing anybody,” the governor said. “We are not here to build a dynasty; we are here to build a legacy. Whoever succeeds me will build on this foundation and strive to do better.” His remarks were widely seen as a response to speculation over succession plans within the party.
The comments come as political consultations intensify within the APC, with claims that power may rotate to Kwara North after two terms by governors from Kwara Central. Although AbdulRazaq did not mention zoning, he stressed that party process and competence would guide the choice of candidate for the 2027 election.
The governor disclosed that six governorship aspirants have already shown interest, including a member of the State House of Assembly. “When I speak of healthy competition, I mean it will be tough. Even from within our State House of Assembly, we have six governorship aspirants altogether. Moving forward, it will indeed be a healthy contest,” he said.
AbdulRazaq urged aspirants and party leaders to protect party unity before and after the primaries. “It will be healthy competition among those who aspire to succeed, and I urge whoever emerges victorious to carry along those who do not succeed in order to foster unity as one family,” he said.
At the congress, party leaders reviewed recent activities and plans for upcoming political exercises. The governor praised members for maintaining cohesion, describing the peaceful congress as a sign of internal strength. He also claimed the opposition had weakened in Kwara, citing defections from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC and other parties.
Despite the APC’s dominance, AbdulRazaq said the party would not relax as the primaries approach. He pointed to achievements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, and credited President Bola Tinubu’s leadership for boosting national confidence in the party. “We have raised the bar in Kwara State, and our successor will take it even further,” he said.
