Prince Haliru Dantsoho Mahmud, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, has officially withdrawn from the 2027 governorship race and publicly endorsed a candidate from Kwara Central. The announcement was made during a well-attended event in Ilorin, where Dantsoho, popularly known as Dan’Iya Kaiama, emphasized the importance of unity and collective progress in shaping the state’s political future. His decision follows extensive consultations with stakeholders across Kwara North and other parts of the state, leading him to conclude that a unifying figure is essential to bridge political and regional divides.
Dantsoho, who had initially positioned himself as a strong contender for the APC’s governorship ticket, described his withdrawal as a strategic sacrifice aimed at fostering cohesion within the party and across the state. He cited the need for a candidate with broad appeal and the ability to bring together diverse political and ethnic groups as the primary reason for his shift in stance. His endorsement now rests on Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari, whom he praised as a loyal party member with deep grassroots connections and a proven commitment to development.
The former aspirant explained that his initial decision to enter the race was rooted in consultations with leaders and residents of Kwara North, who had expressed a strong desire for the region to produce the next governor. However, further discussions across the state revealed the necessity of a unifying candidate capable of rallying support beyond regional lines. He stressed that his withdrawal does not signify a rejection of Kwara North’s aspirations, but rather a strategic repositioning to achieve them through unity and collective effort.
Addressing concerns from his home base, Dantsoho reassured supporters that Kwara North’s time will come, but only through a united front. “This is not a betrayal of our cause. Kwara North’s time is not denied; it is only deferred, and it will come through unity,” he declared. His words were met with applause from attendees, many of whom acknowledged the significance of his decision in shaping the party’s internal dynamics.
In addition, Dantsoho commended President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq, and security agencies for their response to the recent Woro incident, urging continued efforts to rescue abducted victims and support affected families. He called for sustained action to ensure justice and peace in the region.
Kwara Central, often referred to as the “mother district,” holds the largest voting bloc in the state and has historically played a decisive role in governorship elections. Observers believe Dantsoho’s endorsement could significantly influence the 2027 race, especially within the APC, as party alignments continue to evolve. His move may also signal a broader shift toward consensus-building and regional inclusivity in Kwara’s political landscape. As the race for 2027 heats up, this development underscores the growing importance of unity in determining the state’s next leader.
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