Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has dismissed claims that he has endorsed a preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election, saying the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge through a transparent and merit-based primary.
Speaking on Tuesday in Ilorin during the party’s State Congress, the governor addressed growing speculation that he had concluded plans to support a candidate from Kwara North Senatorial District.
“For those who will contest and whoever eventually emerges, it is not about anyone anointing anybody,” he said. “We are not here to build a dynasty; we are here to build a legacy. Whoever succeeds me will build on this foundation and strive to do better.”
Although he did not directly speak on zoning, his remarks were widely seen as a response to rumours of a possible power shift to Kwara North after two consecutive terms from Kwara Central.
AbdulRazaq revealed that six governorship aspirants, including a member of the State House of Assembly, have already shown interest in the race. He described the competition as tough but healthy for the party’s internal democracy.
“When I speak of healthy competition, I mean it will be tough. Even from within our State House of Assembly, we have six governorship aspirants altogether,” he said.
The governor urged aspirants and party leaders to maintain unity before and after the primaries, stressing that whoever emerges as candidate must work with others to keep the party united.
“It will be healthy competition among those who aspire to succeed, and I urge whoever emerges victorious to carry along those who do not succeed in order to foster unity as one family,” he added.
The congress brought together party stakeholders from across the state to review activities and prepare for upcoming political engagements. AbdulRazaq commended members for sustaining unity, describing the peaceful conduct of the gathering as a sign of cohesion within the party.
He also claimed that the opposition had weakened both nationally and within Kwara, noting that several members of the Peoples Democratic Party had defected to the APC, while others moved to the African Democratic Congress.
Despite the APC’s perceived dominance, the governor said the party would not take its position for granted as preparations for the primaries gather momentum.
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AbdulRazaq further highlighted achievements recorded in infrastructure, education and healthcare over the past six years, insisting that his administration has significantly transformed the state.
He also credited President Bola Tinubu for strengthening confidence in the APC at the national level, citing improvements in key economic indicators.
While debate over power rotation among Kwara Central, Kwara South and Kwara North continues, the governor maintained that competence and due process would determine the party’s eventual flag bearer.
“We have raised the bar in Kwara State, and our successor will take it even further,” he said.
