Why Kwara North Should Produce Next Governor – Ilorin Youths

The campaign for the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State gathered fresh momentum on Monday as youth organisations from the Ilorin Emirate openly endorsed the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi Salihu. The youth insisted that the next governor should emerge from Kwara North Senatorial District. The speaker hails from Kwara North. […]

The campaign for the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State gathered fresh momentum on Monday as youth organisations from the Ilorin Emirate openly endorsed the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi Salihu.

The youth insisted that the next governor should emerge from Kwara North Senatorial District.

The speaker hails from Kwara North.

The groups argued that after more than two decades of democratic rule, the demand for political balance and equitable representation has become unavoidable.

They maintained that Kwara North remains the only senatorial district yet to produce a governor since 1999.

The position was unveiled at a joint press conference in Ilorin by the Ilorin Emirate Dynamic Youth Initiative and the Ilorin Emirate Youth Progressive for Communities.

They described their endorsement of Danladi as a stand rooted in justice rather than political convenience.

Speaking on behalf of the organisations, Abdulwaheed Olamilekan said supporting the Speaker’s governorship aspiration was consistent with the long-held values of fairness and inclusiveness associated with the Ilorin Emirate.

According to him, the quest for a governor from Kwara North represents an opportunity to deepen unity across the state and reassure every section that it has a stake in the political future of Kwara.

“We believe that supporting the governorship aspiration of Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi is not only a political decision but a moral obligation rooted in fairness, justice and equity,” he said.

The groups noted that while governors have emerged from both Kwara Central and Kwara South since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule, Kwara North has remained on the sidelines despite its contributions to the state’s political development.

“Since 1999, Kwara North has not had the opportunity to produce a governor. It is therefore only fair and just that the district be supported to occupy the office in 2027,” the groups stated.

They further contended that backing the district’s aspiration would acknowledge years of political loyalty and support extended to candidates from other parts of the state.

“Kwara North has consistently supported candidates from other districts. Supporting the district’s aspiration in 2027 is a gesture of reciprocity that will further strengthen the bond of unity across the state,” they added.

The youth organisations also presented Danladi as a candidate whose profile aligns with the expectations of younger voters, citing his background as an engineer, former lecturer and current Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly.

They said his experience in public service and his relatively youthful disposition place him in a strong position to drive youth-focused policies, economic inclusion and development initiatives.

“Rt. Hon. Yakubu Salihu possesses the competence, experience and youthful energy required to deepen youth participation, empowerment and sustainable development across Kwara State,” the groups said.

The organisations subsequently called on leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), political stakeholders and residents across the state to support the emergence of a candidate from Kwara North.

They argued that broader inclusion would strengthen social harmony and sustainable development.