Kwara North Senators Third Term Bid Faces Major Setback

Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar’s ambition to seek a third term in the Kwara North Senatorial District has encountered strong opposition from a key community group, as stakeholders in Patigi Local Government Area demand their turn in the rotational zoning arrangement ahead of the 2027 general elections. The National President of the Patigi Emirate Development Union (PEDU), Salihu Bologi Umar, made the declaration during a press conference held in Ilorin on Tuesday, emphasizing that the senatorial district’s political future must be guided by fairness, equity, and long-standing zoning traditions. He warned that any attempt to bypass Patigi’s turn could lead to a reevaluation of political allegiances within the emirate.

Bologi stressed that Kwara North belongs to all its constituent communities equally, and no single individual or local government area should dominate the political representation of the district. The group’s position is clear: “No to third term representation, respect for the established zoning tradition, Justice for Patigi local government area, two terms are sufficient, and Patigi’s turn is now.” This stance reflects a deep commitment to democratic principles and the belief that rotational representation ensures balance and inclusivity in governance.

The PEDU leader called on all political actors, traditional institutions, youth groups, and community leaders across Kwara North to uphold fairness, dialogue, and mutual respect. He emphasized that the zoning system, which rotates senatorial representation among the local government areas every two terms or eight years, has been instrumental in maintaining peace and political stability in the region. For decades, this arrangement has been widely accepted and respected, fostering inter-community trust and collective ownership of democratic processes.

Bologi noted that Patigi’s aspiration to produce the next senator for Kwara North is not only justified but necessary to preserve the integrity of the zoning system. He stated that denying Patigi its rightful opportunity may compel stakeholders and supporters within the emirate to explore alternative political platforms that better reflect their aspirations. This, he clarified, is not a threat but a sincere appeal for justice and inclusion.

The group’s position underscores the importance of democratic sustainability and the need for political parties to honor agreements with communities. As the 2027 elections approach, the debate over zoning and representation in Kwara North is likely to intensify, with Patigi’s demand for its turn becoming a central issue in the political discourse. The outcome of this development could influence party dynamics and voter behavior across the senatorial district.