By Oluwatobi Aroyehun
It was a gathering marked by political unity, cultural vibrance, and a strong message of continuity as stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Irepodun Local Government Area converged at the Omu-Aran City Hall to endorse Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi (SYD) for the 2027 Kwara State governorship election.
The event, which drew party leaders, grassroots mobilizers, and community stakeholders, also served as a platform to reaffirm support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Prayers were offered for Governor AbdulRazaq’s continued success, while party faithful were encouraged to support Danladi as a worthy successor who shares the same developmental vision for Kwara State.
In a goodwill message, Hon. Muyiwa Oladipo (Kanu) commended the President’s commitment since assuming office and urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support to enable him deliver fully on his mandate.
He also highlighted the visible impact of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq across all eleven wards in Irepodun, noting that his achievements speak for themselves.
Also speaking, Chief Awotunde described the transformation of Kwara under the current administration as remarkable, famously likening the state to “a small London.”
However, he cautioned that true development is a continuous process that cannot be completed within a single administration. He warned against the past pattern of abandoned projects and stressed the need for a leader who understands and aligns with the existing vision.
“For Kwara to sustain its progress, leadership must be handed over to someone who believes in continuity,” he said, pointing to Danladi as the ideal candidate.
Delivering the opening remarks, the APC Irepodun Party Chairman, Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Kawu, set the tone for the event with a message centered on loyalty, continuity, and alignment of vision.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as the “Jagaban of Nigeria,” whose leadership, he said, continues to reposition the country towards economic stability, national unity, and democratic advancement.
According to him, Irepodun APC, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, unanimously supports the President’s bid for a second term, stressing that both leaders share a common vision for progress.
He also used the occasion to formally endorse Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi as the preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election, describing him as a natural successor capable of sustaining the administration’s achievements.
The endorsement took a formal turn as Hon Muri Omogoye moved a motion supporting the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. The motion also endorsed Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi as the APC’s governorship candidate for 2027.
It was backed and supported by the Executive Chairman of Irepodun Local Government, Hon. Azeez Tinuola Yakub, with overwhelming approval from party members present.
The meeting’s communiqué, delivered by Hon. Tayo Awodiji, Development Officer of Irepodun LGA, captured the collective position of the party. The APC in Irepodun reaffirmed its loyalty to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commending his strides in infrastructure and human capital development.
The party acknowledged the dividends of democracy enjoyed in the local government and praised the efforts of Hon. Azeez Tinuola Yakub in project execution and security interventions across the eleven wards.
It also recognized the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in key sectors such as the economy, education, healthcare, and agriculture.
In a unanimous decision, the party endorsed President Tinubu for a second term, expressing confidence in delivering total victory in Irepodun.
Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi was equally applauded for his leadership as Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and for his contributions to governance. The communiqué concluded with his formal endorsement as the APC’s governorship candidate for 2027.
Speaking in an interview, Hon. Tayo Awodiji explained why Danladi has emerged as the preferred choice among aspirants.
According to him, Danladi’s deep involvement in the current administration and alignment with its vision make him uniquely qualified to continue its legacy.
“He understands the system, he has been part of the process, and he has shown capacity. Leadership will not be new to him,” Awodiji said.
He also pointed to the principle of fairness and equity, noting that Kwara North has never produced a governor since 1999, unlike Kwara Central and Kwara South. “For justice and balance, it is only right to give Kwara North the opportunity,” he added.
Beyond politics, the event reflected the rich cultural heritage of the people. Traditional Yoruba Bàtá dancers entertained guests, adding rhythm, color, and energy to the gathering.
With chants of solidarity and visible unity among party members, the message from Irepodun was clear: continuity, loyalty, and strategic alignment will shape the road to 2027.
