Nine parties field candidates for Kwara governorship election — INEC

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that nine political parties will contest the Kwara State governorship election in the 2027 general elections.

The candidates and their running mates were listed at the commission’s state headquarters on Saturday. Among the parties is the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), which has fielded Jaiyeola Motunrayo Deborah as its governorship candidate, making her the only woman among those listed.

Jaiyeola, 46, is a trader from Idofian and holds a bachelor’s degree in guidance and counselling. Her running mate is Oluwole Tolu, 37, from Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is represented by engineer Yakubu Danladi Salihu, with Bello Mubarak Salau as his running mate. Salau, 39, was born in Minna, Niger State, and is an entrepreneur.

Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will contest the election with Engr. Kale Kawu as its governorship candidate and Rev. Cornelius Fawenu as his running mate.

The other parties listed with governorship candidates are the New Nigeria Peoples Party, National Democratic Party, Action Peoples Party, Nigeria Democratic Congress, Accord and Social Democratic Party.

The list brings to nine the number of political parties set to contest the state’s top elective position in 2027, with the candidates and their running mates expected to campaign across Kwara ahead of the election.

The 2027 governorship contest is therefore expected to feature candidates with varied political and professional backgrounds as they seek the mandate of Kwara voters.