APC National Secretary Accused of Meddling in Kwara Politics as 2027 Race Begins
No fewer than 27 groups and stakeholders within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, under the aegis of Kwara Progressive Mandate, have accused the party’s National Secretary, Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, of allegedly interfering in the political affairs of the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The allegations were contained in statements issued by party stakeholders, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter.
The stakeholders alleged that Basiru is involved in efforts to influence candidate selection across the state, particularly in Kwara South and Kwara Central senatorial districts.
Alleged Move to Return Lola Ashiru
According to the stakeholders, the APC National Secretary is allegedly backing the return of Lola Ashiru to the Senate despite concerns over what they described as poor performance during his time in office.
“We have discovered those trying to impose Senator Lola Ashiru on the people of Kwara South at the expense of development and the welfare of our communities,” one stakeholder said.
“Senator Lola Ashiru is our son, and we respect him, but we have seen his best over the years, and many people believe it is no longer enough for Kwara South,” the source added.
The stakeholders expressed concerns over insecurity, poor road infrastructure, and what they described as inadequate federal presence in the district.
“How can anyone force such a candidate on the people without considering the suffering in Kwara South?” another stakeholder asked. “The people deserve the right to choose leaders who understand their challenges.”
Efforts to obtain comments from Senator Ashiru were unsuccessful as of the time this report was filed.
Concerns Over 2027 Governorship Politics
The stakeholders also alleged that Basiru is supporting Saliu Mustapha for the APC governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to them, the move could create tension within the party because the incumbent governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is also from Kwara Central.
“Reliable information available to us suggests there are plans to impose another governor from Kwara Central despite the fact that the current governor is from the same district,” one of the stakeholders claimed.
They warned that such a move could upset the political balance within the state and weaken unity within the APC.
Senator Mustapha’s camp did not respond to requests for comments on the allegations.
Allegations of Financial Inducement
The stakeholders further alleged that there were unconfirmed reports suggesting that financial inducement may be influencing the alleged political moves.
“There are also reports that financial inducement may be responsible for these actions, and if that is true, it could damage the image of the APC in Kwara State,” the statement read.
However, no evidence was presented to support the allegation, and the claims could not be independently verified.
Political observers in Ilorin noted that perceptions of political imposition could affect party unity ahead of the next election cycle, especially in a state where the APC rose to prominence under the “O To Ge” movement.
Call for Internal Democracy
The stakeholders urged the APC national leadership to ensure fairness and transparency in the party’s candidate selection process.
“The duty of the National Secretary is to serve the party at the national level, not to interfere in the internal political decisions of Kwara State,” a stakeholder said.
“We want free and fair primaries where party members and the people can decide who represents them,” the source added.
Responding to the allegations, the Kwara State APC Publicity Secretary dismissed claims of imposition and insisted that the party remains committed to due process.
“There is no plan to impose candidates on anyone,” he said. “When the time comes, every aspirant will be given a level playing field.”
Growing Political Tension Ahead of 2027
Kwara State remains one of the APC’s strongholds in the North Central region following the party’s victories in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
However, analysts believe that early disagreements over succession plans and candidate selection could shape political alignments ahead of 2027.
Community leaders and party members across the state have continued to call for accountability, performance-based leadership, and respect for internal democracy within the party.
Political consultations and mobilization activities are already gaining momentum across Kwara State as stakeholders position themselves ahead of the next election cycle.
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