A political pressure group, Kwara Integrity Group South (APC) has disassociated itself from the position of some traditional rulers from Kwara South openly declaring that the next governor of the state should be from the Northern zone of the State.
In a strongly worded statement made available to Abujareporters, the pressure group told the traditional rulers to respectfully face their traditional roles rather than dabbling into politics. They also warned that the zone is not ‘politically empty’ as it has competent and ably qualified sons and daughters that can occupy the post of the state chief executive and deliver the goods. According to the group, would therefore be tantamount to selling or giving out your opportunity for anyone to say that the Zone should let go the 2027 chance.
The APC Group decried the impression that the post of the Governor has been allotted to someone, claiming every member of the APC has a right to aspire, however their loyalty is to Kwara South Zone which they are proud to represent.
Seethe full text of the Statement below
STATEMENT FROM KWARA INTEGRITY GROUP SOUTH (APC)
On Recent Political Comments by Some Traditional Rulers in Kwara South
The attention of the Kwara Integrity Group South, a progressive body under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been drawn to recent reports that some traditional rulers in Kwara South, including the Olofa of Offa, have openly declared support for the next Governor of Kwara State to emerge from Kwara North.
As reasonable sons and daughters of Kwara South, we wish to state clearly and without ambiguity that the recent political endorsement made by these traditional rulers does not represent the position, interest, or aspirations of the people of Kwara South.
They are our respected traditional fathers, but they are not political leaders and not political representatives.
Traditional rulers are custodians of culture and symbols of unity, not instruments for political bargaining. Their duty is to protect their communities, not to undermine them for personal or political gratification.
At a time when Kwara South continues to suffer repeated bandit attacks — with hundreds killed, many kidnapped, and communities displaced — we expected our royal fathers to stand united in demanding urgent action. Even the recent kidnapping of the King of Bayagan, who remains in captivity, did not prompt an emergency meeting or a collective call for government intervention.
Yet, they found it necessary to gather merely to endorse a zoning arrangement that brings no value to the suffering people of Kwara South. This selective concern is disappointing, unfortunate, and unacceptable.
Kwara South Is Not Politically Empty
We want to make it very clear:
Kwara South has competent, qualified, credible, and capable individuals who can occupy the position of the Number One Citizen of Kwara State.
We have people who can govern with integrity, vision, and fairness. We also have the political capacity to negotiate locally and within our party to ensure that Kwara South is ready to produce the next governor of Kwara State in 2027.
Traditional Rulers Should Stay Non-Political
As a progressive group within APC, we respectfully advise our traditional rulers to focus on their primary responsibilities. If any of them desires to play active politics or support a particular aspirant, they should kindly resign their throne and formally join party politics.
The APC has a constitution, and nowhere in it is zoning recognized. Therefore, no traditional ruler has the mandate to dictate political direction to party members.
History reminds us that traditional rulers have never determined election outcomes in Kwara State. During the 2019 general elections, some of these same rulers openly backed the PDP, yet they lost even in their own polling units. Power belongs to the people, not to palaces.
Protecting the Rights of All Aspirants
Every qualified APC member from any senatorial district has the constitutional right to contest for governor. The APC protects the rights of all aspirants and encourages everyone to pursue their ambition responsibly, respectfully, and in accordance with party rules. Our support for Kwara South does not in any way negate anyone’s democratic rights.
Our Commitment to Kwara South and the APC
We encourage all aspirants from Kwara South to pursue their ambitions with dignity, sincerity, and unity. As progressive youths of the APC, we are watching closely and will not allow anyone — no matter how desperate — to sabotage the constitutional rights of our people or undermine our party.
As we continue meaningful consultations with stakeholders, elders, and youths across the state and beyond, we sincerely appreciate everyone standing with Kwara South. Your support strengthens us, and we promise we will not let you down.
Our commitment is to a peaceful, progressive, and working Kwara.
Kwara’s progress is our priority.
Kwara South Is Ready for 2027
We boldly affirm that Kwara South is ready to produce the next governor in 2027, and we will pursue this goal with unity, strategy, and democratic engagement.
Every region has the right to aspire, and Kwara South will no longer be politically sidelined.
We reaffirm our loyalty to the APC and appreciate our President, who continues to clean up decades of damage in Nigeria. We stand firmly with you in the spirit of progressive governance.
May God bless Kwara South.
May God bless Kwara State.
May God bless Nigeria.
Asiwaju 2027 — No shaking.
