16/06/2026
Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu Emerged Through Credible APC Primary, Remains Party's Most Widely Accepted Candidate – Kwara APC Stakeholders
A coalition of senior members and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has reiterated its confidence in the party's governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, affirming that his emergence followed a transparent and democratic primary election process.
The stakeholders, representing the three senatorial districts of the state, described the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly as the aspirant with the broadest support base within the party, citing his leadership record, grassroots acceptance, youth appeal, and political experience.
Addressing journalists in Ilorin on Monday, the group dismissed allegations questioning the outcome of the APC governorship primary, insisting that the claims were unfounded and driven by political interests.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, the Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Mallam Lateef Gidado Alakawa, recalled that the APC governorship primary conducted on May 22, 2026, was supervised by a committee led by former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, under the authority of the party's national leadership.
According to him, the exercise was conducted peacefully and the results were officially announced at the Banquet Hall, Ahmadu Bello Way, Ilorin, where Danladi-Salihu secured victory over other contestants.
He noted that the primary election was widely acknowledged as orderly and credible, adding that none of the aspirants pursued any formal challenge against the declared result.
Alakawa further commended Danladi-Salihu for demonstrating maturity and statesmanship by reaching out to fellow aspirants after the contest to promote unity within the party.
The stakeholders also disclosed that the APC governorship candidate has continued consultations with influential stakeholders across Kwara State, including traditional rulers, in a bid to strengthen party cohesion ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Highlighting his qualifications, the group described Danladi-Salihu as a trained engineer whose years of legislative leadership, particularly as Speaker of the State House of Assembly, have equipped him with the experience needed for higher responsibility.
They maintained that his popularity among young people and his track record in public service have endeared him to many party members and residents across the state.
The stakeholders also rejected claims that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq influenced the outcome of the primary election, stressing that the governor merely accepted the result of a process conducted by duly appointed party officials.
They recalled that Senator Obanikoro announced that Danladi-Salihu polled 94,990 votes to emerge victorious over eight other aspirants, a result they said reflected his widespread support across the state.
According to the group, the APC candidate recorded strong performances in all three senatorial districts, further underscoring his acceptability among party members.
They also acknowledged the role played by key party figures and supporters who mobilised support for his candidacy, noting that several local government areas delivered overwhelming votes in his favour.
The stakeholders concluded that the outcome of the primary election clearly reflected the will of APC members and called on all party faithful to close ranks behind Danladi-Salihu in preparation for the 2027 general election.
They urged aggrieved members to embrace reconciliation and work collectively with Governor AbdulRazaq and other party leaders to sustain APC's dominance in the state.
Expressing confidence in the governor's leadership, the stakeholders described AbdulRazaq as an inclusive and responsive leader who has consistently prioritized unity and stakeholder engagement.
They also reassured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the party's strength in Kwara State, pledging that APC would remain victorious in future electoral contests.
"By the grace of God, Kwara will remain firmly in the APC fold, and with the cooperation of party leaders and members, the party will record another resounding victory in 2027," the stakeholders stated.
