Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 gubernatorial election in Kwara State after securing a decisive victory in the party’s primary election.
Danladi, popularly known as SYD, defeated several top contenders in the keenly contested exercise conducted across the 16 local government areas of the state.
Danladi Secures Landslide Victory
The Chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, announced the results in Ilorin, declaring Danladi winner after polling 94,990 votes. His closest challenger, Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, scored 41,700 votes, while former APC state chairman, Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, garnered 22,118 votes.
Other aspirants who participated in the primary included:
- Ibrahim Oloriegbe
- Dele Belgore
- Olufemi Sanni
- Toyin Alabi
- Muhammad Bio
Political observers described the outcome as one of the biggest political upsets in Kwara APC politics, especially after reports that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had earlier backed Yahaya Seriki as his preferred successor.
Internal Party Tensions Before the Primary
The APC governorship primary was initially scheduled for Thursday but was later shifted to Friday following consultations among party leaders and rising tension within the party. Reports indicated that intense negotiations and last-minute political realignments significantly altered the balance of support before the final vote.
Despite the tension leading up to the election, APC officials described the exercise as peaceful and transparent.
Obanikoro praised party members for participating peacefully despite the earlier postponement, adding that the process reflected the unity and strength of the ruling party in Kwara State.
Who Is Yakubu Danladi-Salihu?
Yakubu Danladi-Salihu is a Nigerian engineer and politician currently serving as Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly.
Born in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, Danladi first emerged as Speaker in 2019 and was re-elected in 2023. He represents the Ilesha-Gwanara constituency under the APC platform.
Before venturing fully into politics, he worked at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and later built a political career rooted in youth mobilization and legislative leadership.
Danladi Promises Continuity
Following his emergence, Danladi pledged to build on the achievements of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and sustain ongoing developmental projects across the state.
Party leaders also expressed optimism that the APC would remain united ahead of the 2027 general election campaign.
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