Why APC Should Pick Its Guber Candidate From Kwara North – Youths Group

The youths in Kwara Central have advanced reasons why the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) should pick its gubernatorial candidate from the north senatorial district.

The youths recalled the people of Kwara north supported the ruling APC in 2019 and 2023 to emerge victorious in the two
elections, even when one of their own was the gubernatorial candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in 2023.

In a communique issued at the end of their extral ordinary meeting in Ilorin on Monday, the Kwara central youths reminded the leadership of APC at all level of the need to reciprocate the loyalty and steadfastness of the people of Kwara north by ceding the governorship ticket to the zone.

The communique was signed by Arc. Idris Sadam Ololu, coordinator, and Ayatullah Ahmad, publicity secretary,
Kwara Central Youths for Kwara North

The communique reads in parts:” The unfolding political landscape in Kwara state reveals a painful truth that defies morality. Political loyalty, instead of being rewarded, is increasingly seen as a weakness. Kwara North tied itself to the mast for the APC in the 2023 general elections, choosing allegiance and stability over personal gain, only for their sacrifices to be dismissed as mere weakness.

” Kwara North has always been loyal to the erstwhile ruling dynasty in Kwara State – until 2019, when the PDP betrayed their trust by ceding the gubernatorial ticket to Kwara Central, against the zoning agreement of 2011 that saw Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed emerge on the altar of zoning, equity, justice, and fairness.

“In the 2011 PDP primaries, Kwara Northerners in the race willingly withdrew to allow zoning to Kwara South, with the hope that come 2019, when Ahmed completed his tenure, the Sarakis would turn their gaze northward. Their disappointment was profound, and therefore remain aligned with the APC despite Saraki’s departure. They supported the Otoge revolution that brought Governor AbdulRazaq to power. They stood firm, demonstrating their loyalty and belief in justice.

“In 2019 gubernatorial election, Kwara North delivered the highest winning margin and second highest number of votes to the APC. While Kwara Central delivered a total of 129,806 votes (70.3%), Kwara North delivered 105,593 (81%), while Kwara South delivered 96,147 votes (73%) to APC.

“By 2023, Kwara Central delivered 105,487 votes (55.58%), Kwara North delivered 93,950 votes (64.16%), while Kwara South delivered 74,014 votes (59.55%) to the APC. The results showed that Kwara northerners supported the re-election of Governor AbdulRazaq with the highest winning margin, even ahead of his own Kwara Central senatorial district. Their loyalty remained unshaken, their sacrifices should not go unrecognised.

” Kwara North has sacrificed enough. They have borne the weight of political betrayals, sabotage, and marginalization for decades. Their unwavering support for the APC, especially in the face of opposition taunts and mockery, should be a cause for pride, not shame. Yet, today, they are being mocked again. If Kwara North is betrayed now, it would send a dangerous message – that loyalty in politics is a currency with no value.

” If in Ogun state, zoning was adopted to enable Ogun West senatorial district that has never produced a governor since 1999 to emerge; the party leadership and presidency favored emergence of guber candidate in Nasarawa state from Nasarawa west because they last occupied the seat between 1999 and 2007. The same applies to Niger state where zoning arrangements have been morally binding. The party also honored same in Yobe and Edo state, that is not forgetting the fact that our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also emerged on the basis of fairness, equity and justice, against the odds of some northern political bloc who believed the South doesn’t have the numbers. Why not Kwara North?

” They have the numbers, they have consistently demonstrated loyalty and commitment to progressive ideals and developmental leadership. Loyalty should beget loyalty and not betrayal. ”

Ends