2027: APC Warned Against Imposition, Zoning Sentiment In Kwara

A Kwara based socio-political group, Orisun Igbomina, has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against “emotionally” driven push for zoning ahead of the 2027 governorship election. It warned that such a move could jeopardise the party’s chances at the polls. Daily Trust reports that the intervention is coming in the wake of growing agitation within […]

A Kwara based socio-political group, Orisun Igbomina, has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against “emotionally” driven push for zoning ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

It warned that such a move could jeopardise the party’s chances at the polls.

Daily Trust reports that the intervention is coming in the wake of growing agitation within the party over the zoning of the 2027 governorship ticket.

The debate has sparked fresh alignments and power play among stakeholders across the three senatorial districts, with concerns over how to balance zoning demands with electoral strength.

Observers warn that the emerging divisions could test the party’s cohesion and shape its chances in 2027, especially as the opposition eyes any internal cracks to stage a comeback.

But in a statement signed by its president, Gbenga Awoyale, Orisun Igbomina said while calls for power shift to Kwara North Senatorial District are legitimate in a democratic setting, they must not override the objective of electoral victory.

“The unfolding political conversations within the APC in Kwara ahead of 2027 require sincerity, strategic thinking, and a clear commitment to winning elections rather than emotional or sectional sentiment,” the statement said.

The group warned that ceding the party’s governorship ticket without due consideration for “political realities and electability” could expose the APC to defeat.

“Politics at this level is neither charity nor appeasement. It is a contest that requires numbers, structure, grassroots penetration, coalition building, and strategic engagement across all senatorial districts,” it said.

Orisun Igbomina also pointed to the ‘internal acknowledgements’ by an aspirant from Kwara North on the region’s current political limitations’, urging party leaders to take such realities into account.

“The pathway to power is not paved with intimidation, harassment, or entitlement. It is built on concession, negotiation, collaboration, and sustained lobbying,” the group stated.

The statement stressed that zoning, though useful for inclusion and balance, must not be elevated above the goal of winning elections.

“When zoning is pursued without adequate political groundwork, it risks becoming a liability rather than an asset. A forced or poorly negotiated arrangement can fracture party cohesion and weaken grassroots mobilisation,” it warned.

Drawing parallels with political developments in other states, the group cited the delayed realisation of the Yewa agenda in Ogun State and the emergence of Abdulfatah Ahmed in Kwara as outcomes of strategic negotiations rather than mere agitation.

“The lesson is clear. Power is negotiated, not gifted,” the statement said.

It further warned that imposing a candidate under the guise of zoning could alienate key voting blocs across Kwara Central, South and North, thereby handing advantage to the opposition.

“Electoral victory in Kwara has historically depended on cross regional alliances, not sectional dominance,” it added.

On preparedness, the group emphasised that winning a governorship election requires more than regional sentiment.

“It demands a well structured political machinery, tested grassroots networks, credible messaging, and the ability to attract voters beyond one’s base. Where these are weak, zoning alone cannot compensate,” it said.

Orisun Igbomina urged APC stakeholders to prioritise competence, capacity, and broad acceptability in selecting the party’s candidate.

“If the APC must retain Kwara in 2027, it must present a marketable and widely accepted candidate, while managing zoning through consensus building, not coercion,” it stated.

It warned that failure to do so could trigger internal crisis, voter apathy, and possible electoral defeat.

“At this critical juncture, stakeholders must reject divisive tendencies and embrace inclusivity through genuine negotiation.

“Kwara cannot afford a reversal of progress due to avoidable political miscalculations. The path to victory lies in unity, strategy, and responsible leadership, not sentiment or imposition”, the group added.