Political activities in Kwara State have taken a fresh turn as internal tensions within the ruling All Progressives Congress continue to intensify ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
A new twist emerged after AbdulRahman Giwa, a relative of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, declared interest in the governorship race on the platform of the National Democratic Congress.
His declaration has triggered renewed political conversations about possible cracks within the state’s ruling party and shifting alliances as the 2027 election cycle draws closer.
Political sources say Giwa’s decision has introduced fresh uncertainty into succession calculations within the APC, particularly as competing interests continue to surface among major stakeholders in the state.
The NDC has in recent months expanded its visibility across Kwara, reportedly strengthening its internal structures and holding strategic meetings to prepare for future electoral contests.
The party is also said to have conducted a congress in Ilorin, where new state executives were elected as part of efforts to consolidate its grassroots presence.
Giwa’s entrance into the race attracted wider public attention after campaign materials linked to his governorship ambition began circulating across social media platforms.
The development generated further debate after the materials were reportedly shared by Alhaji Abdul-Razhaq Abubakar Jiddah, Special Adviser to the governor on Special Duties.
His reported involvement has raised questions within political circles and fueled speculation about possible divisions within the APC ahead of the succession battle.
Some political observers within the ruling party have expressed concern that the unfolding situation could deepen existing disagreements as discussions around who succeeds Governor AbdulRazaq gather momentum.
The latest development has also revived earlier political discussions surrounding alleged links between the governor and opposition figures.
Those claims had surfaced following reports of meetings involving the governor and officials of opposition political groups in Ilorin, triggering speculation over possible behind-the-scenes political alignments.
At the time, both the state government and opposition representatives dismissed suggestions of any formal alliance or arrangement.
Reacting to similar allegations earlier, Prof. Isa Gana of the African Democratic Congress rejected claims of financial or political collaboration involving the governor.
“How will Governor AbdulRazaq be funding a party that is out to wrest power from his own party, the APC?” he said.
He added, “The ADC is seriously working to offer Kwarans a credible alternative in 2027, and we are not part of any arrangement with the state government.”
He further described the allegations as inaccurate and misleading.
The emerging political developments are expected to shape the state’s succession contest as parties begin strategic positioning ahead of what is projected to be a fiercely contested governorship election.
What You Should Know
Kwara’s political landscape is becoming increasingly tense as succession politics ahead of the 2027 governorship election gains momentum.
AbdulRahman Giwa’s decision to contest under the NDC is significant because of his family ties to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The move may signal deeper political realignments within the APC and could reshape opposition dynamics in the state.
With parties strengthening their structures and succession discussions intensifying, Kwara is shaping up to become one of Nigeria’s key battlegrounds in 2027.
