Ilorin youths back Kwara North governorship bid, endorse Danladi for 2027

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Youth groups from the Ilorin Emirate have thrown their weight behind the agitation for Kwara North Senatorial District to produce the next governor of Kwara State, endorsing the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi Salihu, as a suitable candidate for the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the APC.

The endorsement was announced on Monday during a joint press conference organised by the Ilorin Emirate Dynamic Youth Initiative and the Ilorin Emirate Youth Progressive for Communities in Ilorin.

Speaking on behalf of the groups, Abdulwaheed Olamilekan said the call for a governor from Kwara North was rooted in the principles of equity, fairness and inclusive governance, stressing that the district deserved an opportunity to occupy the state’s highest political office.

He noted that the position of the groups reflected the long-standing values of justice and balanced representation associated with the Ilorin Emirate, adding that support for Danladi’s aspiration transcended politics and was based on a commitment to fairness.

According to the groups, Kwara North remains the only senatorial district in the state that has not produced a governor since the return to democratic rule in 1999, making its quest for the office both legitimate and deserving of broad support.

They argued that backing a candidate from the district would promote political balance, strengthen unity and foster a greater sense of belonging among the diverse communities that make up Kwara State. The groups also described the move as a fitting recognition of the district’s consistent support for candidates from other parts of the state over the years.

The youth organisations highlighted Danladi’s credentials as an engineer, former lecturer and current Speaker of the State House of Assembly, saying his leadership experience and youthful disposition position him to champion youth-focused policies and sustainable development initiatives.

They therefore urged leaders and stakeholders of the APC, as well as residents of the state, to support Danladi’s governorship aspiration and ensure that Kwara North produces the next governor in 2027, maintaining that equitable power rotation would enhance social cohesion, peace and long-term development across the state.