A Calculated Gamble in Kwara Politics
As the 2027 gubernatorial election in Kwara State draws closer, a new player has emerged in the complex dance of Kwara North’s APC group. The recent endorsement of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s deputy, Kayode Oyin-Zubair’s replacement, Simon Bolarinwa, for governor by the proponent of the Kwara North governorship zoning, is being seen by many as a bold move. The endorsement by this influential group is a significant development in the increasingly complicated landscape of the APC in Kwara State. It marks a deliberate shift in the power dynamics in the party, as the group has made it clear that they will not be silenced in their pursuit of the governorship seat.
At the heart of this endorsement lies a battle for control of the APC in Kwara State. The Kwara North APC group, which has long been a stalwart of the party in the state, has been at the forefront of calls for the governorship seat to be zoned to their region. They argue that the region has been unfairly excluded from the governorship position for years, despite their significant contributions to the party. The group’s coordinator, Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq, alleged that the objective of the proponent of the Kwara North governorship zoning is to secure the APC ticket for the North through lobbying at both state and federal levels. This move is seen as a strategic ploy to strengthen the group’s position within the party and ultimately secure the governorship ticket.
A Long History of Political Jockeying
The Kwara North APC group’s push for the governorship seat is not a new development, but rather a continuation of a long history of political jockeying in Kwara State. For years, the APC has been plagued by internal power struggles, with various factions vying for control of the party. The current governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has been at the center of these power struggles, with some accusing him of favoring his own region over others. The Kwara North APC group’s endorsement of Bolarinwa for governor is seen as a direct challenge to the governor’s influence within the party.
The APC in Kwara State has a long history of complex power dynamics, with various groups and factions vying for control. The party’s internal struggles have often spilled over into the public sphere, with politicians and party leaders engaging in a war of words over issues such as zoning and leadership. The Kwara North APC group’s endorsement of Bolarinwa for governor is just the latest development in this ongoing saga.
A Regional Perspective
From a regional perspective, the Kwara North APC group’s endorsement of Bolarinwa for governor is significant. The group’s push for the governorship seat is part of a larger trend of regionalization in Kwara State politics. The APC has long been seen as a party of the South, with the party’s leadership and key positions often held by politicians from the region. The Kwara North APC group’s endorsement of Bolarinwa for governor is a bid to redress this balance and bring a northern politician to the forefront of the party.
This trend of regionalization is not unique to Kwara State. Across Nigeria, regional politics are increasingly playing a significant role in party politics. The APC and the PDP, the two dominant parties in the country, have both seen their regional dynamics shift in recent years. The APC has long been seen as a party of the South, but recent developments in the party suggest that this may be changing.
Implications and Reactions
The Kwara North APC group’s endorsement of Bolarinwa for governor has sent shockwaves through the APC in Kwara State. The governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has been quick to respond to the endorsement, calling it a “calculated move” to weaken his influence within the party. The APC’s national leadership has also weighed in on the issue, with some party leaders calling for a more inclusive approach to party politics.
The implications of this endorsement are far-reaching. If the Kwara North APC group is successful in securing the governorship ticket for Bolarinwa, it could have significant consequences for the APC in Kwara State. The party’s internal power struggles could become even more intense, with various factions vying for control. The governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, could face significant challenges in maintaining his influence within the party.
Looking Ahead
As the 2027 gubernatorial election in Kwara State draws closer, the Kwara North APC group’s endorsement of Bolarinwa for governor will likely be a major issue. The group’s push for the governorship seat is a calculated gamble, one that could pay off or backfire. The APC in Kwara State will be watching the developments closely, as the party’s internal power struggles continue to play out. One thing is clear: the future of the APC in Kwara State will be shaped in large part by the outcome of this election.