Kwara group urges President Tinubu to back Christian APC governorship candidate

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

The Conglomerate of Kwara State Christian Communities has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support the emergence of a Christian candidate as the All Progressives Congress governorship flag bearer for the 2027 election in Kwara State.

The group made the appeal on Monday while addressing members of the Correspondents’ Chapel in Ilorin, saying its position was based on the principles of fairness, equity and inclusive governance rather than religious politics.

It stressed that the call was not an attempt to place religion above competence but to ensure that qualified candidates from all faiths are given equal opportunities to contest for leadership positions in the state.

According to the group, Kwara’s political future should be driven by leaders with proven competence, experience and broad acceptability, adding that an inclusive political process would strengthen unity and public confidence.

The Christian body cited findings from the Africa Polling Institute, which it said showed that 90% of Muslim respondents were willing to vote for a competent Christian candidate, while 98% of Christian respondents would support a competent Muslim candidate and 93% of respondents expressed readiness to back a qualified candidate regardless of religion.

It argued that the survey reflected Kwara’s longstanding tradition of religious harmony and demonstrated that the majority of voters were more concerned about leadership quality than religious affiliation.

The group noted that the APC has several Christian politicians with the experience and capacity to govern the state, specifically mentioning Engr. Femi Sanni, popularly known as Araba, and Dr. Toyin Alabi as individuals with the qualities required for the office.

The Convener of the Conglomerate of Kwara State Christian Communities, Rev. Felix Ajide, urged President Tinubu, as leader of the APC, to consider the aspirations of the Christian community when decisions are made on the party’s 2027 governorship ticket, adding that the group remains committed to peaceful coexistence and will support any process that produces competent and people-oriented leadership.