Youth groups from the Ilorin Emirate have declared their support for the emergence of the speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
They made the endorsement at a joint press conference organised by the Ilorin Emirate Dynamic Youth Initiative and the Ilorin Emirate Youth Progressive for Communities, held in Ilorin, the state capital.
The spokesman for the groups, Abdulwaheed Olamilekan said it was time for Kwara north senatorial district to produce the state’s governor in the interest of equity, fairness and inclusive governance.
According to the youths , their position was informed by the longstanding values of justice and balanced representation associated with the Ilorin Emirate.
“We believe that supporting the governorship aspiration of Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi is not only a political decision but a moral obligation rooted in fairness, justice and equity,” they said.
They noted that while Kwara central and Kwara south had produced governors since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Kwara north had yet to occupy the office.
“Since 1999, Kwara North has not had the opportunity to produce a governor. It is therefore only fair and just that the district be supported to occupy the office in 2027,” they stated.
The youth groups described Danladi- Salihu’s aspiration as a legitimate quest for inclusion and political balance, stressing that supporting a candidate from Kwara Nlnorth would strengthen unity and foster a greater sense of belonging among the state’s diverse communities.
They also said the endorsement was a demonstration of appreciation for the district’s consistent political support for Kwara central over the years.
“Kwara north has consistently supported candidates from other districts. Supporting the district’s aspiration in 2027 is a gesture of reciprocity that will further strengthen the bond of unity across the state,” they added.
The groups highlighted Danladi- Salihu’s credentials as an engineer, former lecturer and speaker of the State House of Assembly, saying his experience and youthful leadership position him to advance youth empowerment and development.
They urged APC leaders, stakeholders and residents of the state to support Danladi- Salihu’s governorship aspiration and ensure that Kwara north produces the next governor of the state in 2027.
Danladi-Salihu’s candidacy has also received the blessings of Ilorin Emirate traditional and religious leaders ahead of the 2027 general election.
The APC gubernatorial candidate paid royal homages to the palaces of the Balogun Gambari, Balogun Ajikobi, Balogun Alanamu, Balogun Fulani, Magaji Are, Baba Isale, Imam Imale, and the Daudu Faagba, the head of the Shitta Alimi Oroganloye ruling house.
The tour was a follow-up to a similar royal visit paid earlier to the Emir of Ilorin,Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, where the royal father blessed the APC governorship candidate with prayers.
The high chiefs of Ilorin Emirate received Danladi- Salihu with warmth and enthusiasm, confirming the APC gubernatorial candidate ‘s popularity and wide acceptance in Ilorin Emirate.
They offered prayers for Danladi- Salihu’s success at the poll,and the continued success of the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The Balogun Gambari, Alh Mohammed Aliyu, acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of Governor AbdulRazaq at repositioning and restoring the lost glory of the state and expressed confidence that Danladi- Salihu would continue the good work and keep the flag flying.
“We have seen the good works of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq across the length and breadth of the state; we appreciate his support for the traditional institution, and Insha Allah, your ambition is blessed, and victory shall be yours”, Balogun Gambari stated.
The Balogun Ajikobi, Alh Omokayode Abdulwahab, Balogun Alanamu, Dr. Abubakar Jos, Balogun Fulani, Alh Abubakar Atiku, Magaji Are, Alh Aremu Zubair, Baba Isale, Alh Abdullahi Mustapha, and the Daudu Faagba, Alh Alabi Sulaiman, also echoed the message of appreciation for Governor AbdulRazaq and prayed for Danladi- Salihu to become the next governor of Kwara State.
Capping it up was the Imam of Imale of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Abdullahi Abdulhameed, who appreciated Allah for guiding the government of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to deliver on his promises to Kwarans and prayed for the success of Danladi-Salihu at the poll.
The APC governorship candidate, who was accompanied by the principal officers and members of the Kwara State House of Assembly, advisers to the governor on politics and legislation, and other government functionaries, appreciated the traditional and religious leaders for their overwhelming support and pledged to return the same in kind by taking Kwara to the next level.
Highlights of the tour include the presentation of the Holy Qur’an, the most cherished and treasured gift anyone can receive, from the custodians of the Ilorin Emirate dynasty to Danladi-Salihu, by the Daudu Faagba.
