Kwara North to Mustapha: We Have Right to Contest, Lead Kwara in 2027

Kwara North to Mustapha: We Have Right to Contest, Lead Kwara in 2027

A group of political stakeholders from Kwara North Senatorial District has rejected comments attributed to Senator Saliu Mustapha suggesting that the district lacks the numerical strength to produce the next governor of Kwara State, describing the remarks as dismissive and politically insensitive.

In a strongly worded statement signed by Suleiman Aliyu Rifun of Edu Local Government Area and four other stakeholders, the group said Kwara North was neither a “conquered territory” nor a political appendage, insisting that the district had a legitimate right to aspire to the governorship of the state.

The group argued that the political relevance of Kwara North could not be determined solely by population figures, recalling the emergence of Alhaji Shaaba Lafiagi, a native of the district, as governor of the state in 1992.

It questioned what it described as the selective application of “political arithmetic”, arguing that the district had historically played a significant role in determining electoral outcomes in Kwara State.

The stakeholders also pointed to the distribution of governorship tenure since 1999, arguing that Kwara Central would have accumulated more than 20 years in office by the end of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s tenure, while Kwara South had produced a governor for eight years, leaving Kwara North without a turn.

They questioned the fairness of what they described as a prolonged imbalance in political representation, urging Kwarans to assess the issue on the basis of equity and inclusion.

“We are not asking for a favour. We are demanding equity, fairness, inclusion and political justice,” the group said.

The stakeholders maintained that Kwara North had consistently contributed votes, resources, political mobilisation and human capital to successive administrations, arguing that its political aspirations should receive the same consideration as its electoral contributions.

“If our votes are important enough to determine elections, then our aspirations are important enough to be respected,” they said.

The group also challenged Senator Mustapha to present an account of his legislative record, including major bills sponsored, motions moved and interventions credited to him as a senator representing the people.

It argued that public office should be assessed based on measurable achievements and impact rather than publicity or political visibility, particularly for politicians aspiring to higher office.

The stakeholders further warned against interpreting the political patience of Kwara North as weakness, saying the district had observed political alliances and calculations that, according to them, often became favourable to its interests only when its votes were required.

They insisted that the district would no longer accept a political arrangement in which it was considered important during elections but excluded from serious consideration for the governorship.

The group also stressed that Kwara North had qualified political aspirants capable of contesting the 2027 governorship election, urging voters to assess candidates based on competence, integrity, capacity, credentials and proposed programmes.

According to the statement, neither Senator Mustapha, political godfathers, political parties nor commentators could determine the next governor, stressing that the ultimate decision rested with the electorate.

The stakeholders also invoked the political history of former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who is now reportedly aligned politically with Mustapha, arguing that Kwara North had played an important role in past electoral coalitions that contributed to Saraki’s political victories.

They therefore urged political actors to recognise the district’s political importance beyond electoral mobilisation.

“This is not a declaration of war against any zone. It is a declaration of political self-respect,” the group said, while calling on residents of Kwara Central and Kwara South to view the demand as an appeal for equitable political participation rather than a confrontation among the senatorial districts.

The group said Kwara North would critically assess all candidates ahead of the 2027 governorship election and support aspirants from the district who demonstrate competence, integrity, capacity, acceptability and commitment to the development of Kwara State.

It added that the district would mobilise politically and defend what it described as the legitimate aspirations of its candidates.

The stakeholders concluded by declaring that Kwara North would remain politically active and determined to secure what it considers its rightful place in the governance of the state.

“Kwara North is awake. Kwara North is organised. Kwara North is politically conscious. Kwara North will participate. Kwara North will negotiate. Kwara North will support its own,” they said.

The statement was signed by Suleiman Aliyu Rifun (Edu LGA), Ali Sabi Halidu (Baruten LGA), Idris Ibrahim (Kaiama LGA), Adebayo Akanbi Salihu (Moro LGA) and Zubair Mohammed (Patigi LGA).