Traditional rulers across Kwara North Senatorial District have paid a thank-you visit to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq following the emergence of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Salihu Danladi, as the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.
According to a statemnt on Sunday signed by Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mashood Agboola, the visit, led by the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Bologi II, was held at the Government House, Ilorin, where the monarchs expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq and other stakeholders for what they described as the zoning of the APC ticket to Kwara North.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Etsu Patigi said the development reflected a long-standing demand for equity in the rotation of political leadership within the state.
“Your Excellency, the entire people of Kwara North are here this afternoon to thank you for what you have done for us. One of our sons, the Rt Hon Salihu Yakubu Danladi, has become the flagbearer for APC governorship in the 2027 general elections and we are immensely grateful,” he said.
He added that the delegation came “to say thank you very much, may Allah continue to guide and protect you,” while also acknowledging what he described as the Governor’s developmental interventions in the region.
“We also thank you for everything you have been doing for us as a region. You have heard our cries and this has been a very long agitation from our people and today by the grace of God, Allah has made it possible through you,” the monarch said.
The traditional rulers also commended President Tinubu for his role in supporting the process that led to the emergence of the APC flagbearer from Kwara North.
“In general, we want to sincerely thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and entire APC members for making this possible,” he added.
In his response, Governor AbdulRazaq described the visit as a strong expression of unity in support of zoning and equity, saying the development was aimed at ensuring fair rotation of political leadership in the state.
“Moving political leadership around is important for fairness and equity. This is also good for development and sense of belonging,” the Governor said.
He added that the emergence of a Kwara North candidate was consistent with the principle of inclusiveness, noting that similar arrangements exist at the national level.
“That is why at the federal level, the President practically rotates between the North and South. It is about development, peace, harmony and equity. That is what we are looking at here,” he said.
AbdulRazaq urged stakeholders and residents of Kwara North to mobilise support for the APC candidate ahead of the 2027 election, stressing the importance of unity in securing victory.
“I believe the people of Kwara North will grab this opportunity by voting overwhelmingly to make sure this becomes a reality,” he said, warning that failure to consolidate on the opportunity could affect future political chances for the region.
The Governor also thanked President Tinubu for what he described as support that enabled the resolution of political considerations within the party.
“It is under his leadership that has allowed most of these issues to be equitably resolved,” he said.
He further highlighted ongoing development projects in Kwara North, including roads, healthcare and electrification initiatives, expressing confidence that the emergence of Danladi would consolidate on existing gains.