Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State have petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, raising alarm over what they described as actions by the state Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, that could jeopardise the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
In an open letter addressed to the President, signed by Hon. Olosasa Toyin, Comrade Onimasa Hazmat Ganeey, and Alhaji Abdulraheem Alabi, and copied to the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
The stakeholders, who said they have been part of the progressive movement since before the party’s formation in 2013, commended the administration’s economic reforms and efforts at repositioning Nigeria.
They, however, warned that developments in Kwara State could undermine these gains politically.
The petitioners, who briefed the APC correspondents in Abuja on Thursday, accused the governor of pursuing policies and actions “inimical to the success of the party,” alleging that his leadership style has alienated both party elites and grassroots supporters.
They cited rising insecurity in parts of the state and claimed that the governor has failed to demonstrate empathy by not visiting affected communities.
According to the stakeholders, AbdulRazaq has also distanced himself from party leadership and members since assuming office in 2019, despite benefiting from their collective efforts to secure victory for the APC in the state.
They further alleged that the governor is attempting to impose his preferred candidates ahead of the 2027 elections, describing the move as undemocratic and coercive.
The petition referenced alleged legal actions against party chieftains, including Hon. Ilyasu Moro and Hon. Mashood Mustapha, as well as what they described as the marginalisation of Senator Saliu Mustapha in executing constituency projects.
The stakeholders claimed that the governor’s popularity has waned significantly in Kwara Central and South senatorial districts, to the extent that aspirants are reportedly distancing themselves from him ahead of party primaries and the general elections.
They also raised concerns over the governor’s alleged succession plan, accusing him of backing the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Danladi Yakubu, as his preferred successor.
The move, they argued, is widely perceived as an attempt to retain control after leaving office—an allegation they described as a “third term agenda.”
On the political front, the petitioners criticised the governor’s recent actions against former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, warning that such moves could generate public sympathy for the opposition and hurt the APC’s standing in the state.
“Like him or hate him, the Waziri is the most popular politician in the state,” the petition read, cautioning that targeting Saraki could backfire politically and deepen tensions within Kwara communities.
They further warned that many residents may interpret the governor’s actions as being carried out on behalf of the President, a perception they said could negatively impact Tinubu’s image and the party’s prospects.
The stakeholders urged the President to intervene urgently by calling the governor to order, stressing that failure to address the situation could cost the APC dearly in the 2027 elections.
They concluded by reaffirming their loyalty to the party and expressing confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, while calling for swift action to preserve the APC’s unity and electoral strength in Kwara State.
