Some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kwara on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest in Abuja, calling for an inclusive, transparent and credible process for the emergence of the party’s governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
The protesters urged the party leadership to provide a level playing field for all aspirants and avoid any form of candidate imposition.
They also appealed to traditional rulers in the state to remain neutral in partisan political activities.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr Samuel Raji expressed concern over reports alleging the involvement of some traditional rulers in political consultations relating to the state’s governorship succession.
According to him, traditional institutions occupy a revered position in society and should maintain their non-partisan status.
“We have great respect for our traditional rulers, including the Emirs and Obas. They are custodians of our culture and heritage, and we believe they should be accorded the dignity that comes with their offices.
“Our concern is that they should not be drawn into partisan political matters. We want the people to be allowed to freely choose their leaders through an open and transparent process,” he said.
Raji also criticised the processes that produced some previous political candidates in the state, alleging inadequate involvement of party members at the grassroots level.
He said broader consultation with stakeholders and party members would strengthen internal democracy and promote unity within the APC.
“We believe party members and grassroots supporters should have a say in determining who emerges as candidate. An open process will give everyone a sense of belonging and build confidence in the party,” he said.
Also speaking, an APC stalwart from Kwara South Senatorial District, Mr Oluwafemi Joseph, said the protest was intended to draw attention to concerns among residents of the district regarding political representation and development.
Joseph said the protesters were not opposed to any individual but were advocating fairness, equity and inclusiveness in the political process.
“The essence of this protest is to express the feelings of many people in Kwara South who believe their interests should be given greater consideration in political decision-making.
“We are calling for a process that is open, credible and acceptable to all stakeholders. If there is a transparent contest and a candidate emerges, people will readily accept the outcome,” he said.
Joseph added that many residents of Kwara South desired greater attention to infrastructure development, political appointments and social amenities in the district.
He said the call for equity was informed by the need to ensure balanced representation among the state’s three senatorial districts.
“Kwara South believes it deserves adequate consideration in the state’s political arrangement. We are advocating fairness, equity and inclusiveness, not confrontation.
“We want all sections of the state to feel represented and carried along in governance and political affairs,” he said.