By Muyideen Aliyu
Kwara State has emerged as the epicenter of intense political contest within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), recording a staggering 16 governorship aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A total of 16 aspirants have reportedly purchased expression of interest and nomination forms to vie for the party’s governorship ticket in the state, a development currently generating concerns among stakeholders and political observers.
This situation has been described by a sociopolitical organization, Democratic Network International (DNI), as both a reflection of democratic participation and a signal of possible internal strains within the party structure.
According to the group, Kwara’s figure ranks the highest among states preparing for the 2027 governorship contests, placing it ahead of states such as Oyo, Adamawa, Bauchi, Abia, and Rivers.
In a statement signed by its coordinator, Israel Babatunde, the organization warned that without deliberate political management, the crowded race could trigger deep divisions within the APC in the state.
While acknowledging the vibrancy of democratic engagement, DNI warned that the absence of consensus-building mechanisms could weaken party cohesion ahead of the polls.
The group stated that in a situation where an unpopular aspirant is preferred over a more popular one due to self-interest or ethnic considerations, the party may have itself to blame.
The organization stressed the need for internal mediation and consensus arrangements, noting that the scale of participation across different levels of elections in Kwara is becoming increasingly unwieldy.
Beyond the governorship race, the group noted that more than 40 aspirants have purchased nomination forms for House of Representatives seats, while approximately 158 aspirants are contesting for just 24 seats in the State House of Assembly.
DNI expressed concerns that the financial implications of this mass purchase of nomination forms could run into billions of naira, describing such spending as excessive for a state of Kwara’s economic standing.
It argued that stronger leadership intervention could have reduced tensions by encouraging a unified process for selecting candidates.
The group further warned that failure to manage this process could lead to post-primary factionalization of the party structure.
While commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for maintaining an open political environment, the organization urged him to emulate consensus-driven models used in other states.
It specifically referenced Borno State, where Governor Babagana Zulum reportedly facilitated stakeholder alignment to reduce intra-party conflict.
DNI also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, warning that early engagement could help prevent the escalation of tensions within the Kwara APC.
It noted that similar interventions by the President in states such as Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, and Ekiti had helped stabilize party structures ahead of elections.
The statement concluded by asserting that the time to act is now for the sake of the peace and unity of the Kwara APC.