Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq today dismissed speculations that he has endorsed or promised to anoint a successor ahead of the 2027 governorship race,
He insisted that the All Progressives Congress will conduct an open and merit-based primary.
The Governor spoke in Ilorin at the State Congress of the APC, amid growing political rumours that he had concluded plans to back a candidate from Kwara North Senatorial District to succeed him.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s comments come against the backdrop of intense political consultations within the ruling party and widespread claims that power may shift to Kwara North after two consecutive terms from Kwara Central.
Although he did not directly reference zoning, his remarks were widely interpreted as a response to the succession rumours.
The Governor disclosed that six governorship aspirants, including a member of the State House of Assembly, had already expressed interest in the race, describing the contest as tough but healthy for internal democracy.
Governor AbdulRazaq urged aspirants and party stakeholders to maintain unity before and after the primaries as those who emerge victorious must carry others along.
The APC congress, which brought together party stakeholders from across the state, reviewed party activities and preparations for forthcoming political exercises.
The Governor congratulated party members for sustaining unity and described the peaceful conduct of the congress as evidence of cohesion within the party.
He claimed that the opposition had weakened both nationally and within Kwara as many members of the Peoples Democratic Party had defected to the APC, while others moved to the African Democratic Congress.
Despite the perceived dominance, the Governor said the APC would not take its position for granted as the build-up to the primaries intensifies.
He also highlighted what he described as achievements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, insisting that the administration had transformed the state over the past six years.
Governor Abdulrazaq further credited President Bola Tinubu’s leadership for growing national confidence in the APC, citing improvements in economic indicators.
Observers say the succession debate has quietly shaped political alignments in the state in recent months, particularly amid calls for power rotation among Kwara Central, Kwara South, and Kwara North.
While no official zoning arrangement has been announced by the APC in the state, political stakeholders continue to speculate about possible regional balancing ahead of 2027.
The Governor, however, maintained that competence and party process will determine the eventual candidate.
