Kwara: Godfather Politics Won’t Decide Next Governor, Aspirants Warned

A socio-cultural group in Kwara State, Orisun Igbomina, has warned governorship aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections against relying on political godfathers and endorsements. It urged them instead to step forward and engage directly with citizens across the state. Daily Trust reports that the warning is coming as political permutations ahead of the 2027 race […]

A socio-cultural group in Kwara State, Orisun Igbomina, has warned governorship aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections against relying on political godfathers and endorsements.

It urged them instead to step forward and engage directly with citizens across the state.

Daily Trust reports that the warning is coming as political permutations ahead of the 2027 race gathering momentum in the state.

Several political heavyweight across the three senatorial districts have already signified interest to contest the seat.

According to the group, the next governor of the state should emerge through open engagement with the electorate rather than through the influence of a few political power brokers operating behind the scenes.

In a statement signed by its President, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, the group called on aspirants, particularly those from Kwara South and Kwara North senatorial districts, to publicly declare their ambitions and begin consultations with communities across the state.

According to Awoyale, many aspirants from the two districts appear to have adopted a passive political approach by quietly lobbying influential figures in Abuja and other political centres while waiting for possible endorsement from key power blocs, including the incumbent governor.

He warned that such a strategy may prove counterproductive as the political landscape in the state begins to take shape ahead of the next election cycle.

“Democracy should not be about waiting for the blessing of political godfathers. Those who want to govern Kwara must come forward, meet the people and clearly articulate their vision for the state,” the statement said.

The group maintained that the political atmosphere in the state has evolved in recent years and warned that the imposition of candidates may not succeed in the build up to the 2027 elections.

Orisun Igbomina also expressed concern that aspirants from Kwara Central Senatorial District appear to be more politically active and better positioned ahead of the race.

According to the group, several aspirants from the district, including those from opposition parties, have already begun consultations across communities, meeting stakeholders and mobilising grassroots support.

It noted that leaving the political field largely uncontested at this stage could give politicians from the district a strategic advantage as the contest gradually gathers momentum.

“If eventually the political pendulum swings in their direction, no one should blame them because they are the ones currently engaging the people and taking the process seriously,” the statement added.

The group also reflected on the experience of former governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, the last occupant of the office from Kwara South Senatorial District.

Ahmed governed the state between 2011 and 2019 after succeeding former governor Bukola Saraki.

According to Orisun Igbomina, Ahmed was widely perceived during his emergence as closely aligned with the political interests that produced him, a perception the group said weakened his political independence during his tenure.

It cautioned that aspirants from Kwara South must learn from the past and ensure they build their own political structures rather than rely on external forces.

The group further pointed to the political journey of the incumbent governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as an example of persistence and grassroots engagement.

According to the statement, AbdulRazaq contested several elections across different political platforms before eventually emerging victorious in the 2019 governorship election under the All Progressives Congress.

The group said his political trajectory demonstrates that sustained engagement with voters and persistence remain critical ingredients for electoral success.

Orisun Igbomina therefore urged aspirants across Kwara State not to wait endlessly for political endorsements that may never materialise.

Instead, it advised them to present themselves before the electorate, outline their development plans and build genuine support among citizens.

The group maintained that democracy should be driven by the people rather than by a small circle of political actors.

“Democracy should reflect the aspirations of the people and not the interests of a few individuals making decisions behind closed doors,” the statement concluded.