Saliu Danladi, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, has emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election, securing over 94,000 votes to defeat 14 other aspirants in a fiercely contested race held across the state on Friday. The primary, originally scheduled for Thursday, was shifted to Friday due to technical issues, as confirmed by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka in a statement issued on Thursday. Morka announced that the primaries in both Kwara and Bauchi states would be held on Friday to ensure smooth and credible processes.
Danladi’s victory comes after Governor Abdulrazaq of Kwara State publicly reversed his earlier endorsement of Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, choosing instead to back the Speaker as his preferred candidate for the party’s ticket. This shift in support significantly influenced the dynamics of the primary, with Danladi emerging as the front-runner despite facing strong competition from other aspirants. His win marks a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape, especially given the governor’s endorsement and the Speaker’s strong grassroots support.
The APC primary election was held across Kwara State’s local government areas, with party members and delegates participating in the voting process. Danladi, who hails from Kwara North, has long been a prominent figure in state politics, known for his leadership in the House of Assembly and his commitment to development initiatives. His victory in the primary positions him as the APC’s flagbearer for the 2027 governorship election, assuming the party maintains its current structure and roadmap.
The election process was closely monitored by party officials and observers to ensure transparency and fairness. Despite the initial delay, the APC leadership emphasized that the shift to Friday was necessary to address logistical challenges and guarantee a credible outcome. The party’s national leadership, including Morka, expressed confidence in the integrity of the process and urged all aspirants to respect the result.
With Danladi now officially the APC’s candidate, attention turns to the upcoming general election, where he will face opposition from other political parties. His victory underscores the influence of party leadership endorsements and the importance of internal party dynamics in shaping Nigeria’s political future. As the 2027 elections draw nearer, Danladi’s campaign will likely focus on consolidating support across the state and addressing key development issues facing Kwara.
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