Kwara group urges APC, Tinubu to back Sanni for governor

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

The Kwara Youth for Good Governance has called on the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress and Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support the emergence of Engr. Femi Sanni, popularly known as ARABA, as the party’s governorship candidate in Kwara State for the 2027 election.

In an open letter signed by its convener, Salman Idris, the group said the ruling party needed “leadership, not another compromise,” arguing that its next governorship candidate should be chosen based on competence, capacity and the ability to unite the party rather than religious or political considerations.

The group described Sanni as a founding member of the APC in Kwara State, saying he possesses the experience, loyalty and broad acceptability needed to strengthen the party and position it for victory in the next governorship election.

According to the group, Kwara South, where Sanni hails from, deserves another opportunity to produce the state’s governor. It said such a decision would promote fairness, strengthen internal cohesion and reinforce the principle of equitable power distribution within the party.

Addressing concerns over Sanni’s Christian faith, the group argued that Kwara State’s long history of peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians makes religion a non-issue in the state’s politics. It added that a balanced ticket would reflect the state’s tradition of inclusiveness.

The group also said the APC’s dominant political position in Kwara gives it the confidence to nominate a candidate based on merit rather than political expediency, insisting that competence should remain the overriding consideration.

“The coming election will not be won by symbolism alone. It will be won by organisation, credibility, trust and the ability to inspire both party members and ordinary citizens,” the group said in the letter.

The appeal comes as political consultations ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum, with interest groups and stakeholders beginning to canvass support for potential aspirants seeking the APC governorship ticket in Kwara State.