Kwara 2027: APC chieftain urges party to drop zoning, focus on competence

An All Progressives Congress chieftain in Kwara State, Isaac Adeyemi, has advised the ruling party to throw its 2027 governorship ticket open to all senatorial districts in the state, insisting that competence—not zoning—should determine who emerges as the next governor.

The party stalwart, who spoke in an interview with PUNCH Online on Friday, dismissed the escalating zoning agitation in parts of the state, describing it as unnecessary and lacking a historical basis.

He said the APC must remain inclusive ahead of 2027, warning that shutting out aspirants under the guise of zoning could deepen existing divisions within the party.

“Let everybody be involved in the selection of who represents them and don’t close doors on some aspirants.

“For governorship, let all be involved. Leave it open. We need competence now. Let us pick the party candidate from any of the senatorial districts,” he said.

Responding to arguments that Kwara should, for the first time, rotate the governorship to the North in 2027, the chieftain said such calls were politically motivated.

“Honestly, we have never zoned the governorship in Kwara. In 2023, it was between S.Y. Abdullahi from the North and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq from Central. What is the need for zoning now? Practically, there is no need for it,” he stated.

According to him, democracy requires broad participation, but competence must take precedence if the state is to progress.

“Democracy involves all. But above all, competence will have its way if we really want to move forward.”

He also alleged that the renewed push for zoning may be driven by the ambitions of a few individuals rather than a genuine, people-driven demand from Kwara North.

“We should not concern ourselves with the opinion of others. We just need to educate ourselves and preach that competence is what is needed now.”

He expressed concern over what he described as the “creeping politicisation” of traditional institutions, following recent endorsements by some monarchs.

“Traditional rulers are our fathers. They should remain fathers of all. They should not dabble into what they should not dabble into,” he cautioned.

Assessing the current administration led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the APC leader lauded its infrastructural achievements, particularly in Kwara Central, but urged greater attention to local contractors and stronger grassroots political engagement.

“Honestly, he has done well in infrastructure, especially in Kwara Central. But he should give contracts to Kwara indigenes and move the big contractors to other districts. Also, party activities need improvement. The party is concentrating on birthday wishes now; not much political meetings,” he said.

Although he acknowledged that President Bola Tinubu has treated his senatorial district fairly, he added that Kwara South still desires more political opportunities, including the governorship seat.

“I thank God that President Tinubu has been doing well for my senatorial district, but like Oliver Twist, we need more. My zone wants to produce the next governor. We need the President to support us,” he said.