By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
Tensions are mounting in Kwara State’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 governorship election, following allegations that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is backing efforts to pressure traditional rulers in Kwara South into endorsing his preferred successor.
The controversy has reignited concerns over the state’s democratic trajectory, with critics warning against a repeat of the candidate imposition seen in neighbouring Kogi State.
According to sources within the All Progressives Congress (APC), a succession plan is quietly taking shape, buoyed by the close relationship between the governor and the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, who is widely speculated to be a potential successor.
The issue gained prominence following the recent elevation of 10 traditional rulers in Kwara South—a move some stakeholders have dismissed as politically motivated. They argue that the governor’s decision is part of a broader strategy to secure endorsements from influential monarchs and fabricate an impression of regional consensus around a preferred candidate.
“We have respect and honour for our kings. They should not be used as pawns in a political game,” a source said. Another questioned: “Why is there no attempt to coerce monarchs from Kwara North or the Emir of Ilorin to declare support for any candidate?”
The Kwara South Mandate Group has formally condemned the alleged moves, describing them as a threat to the neutrality and sanctity of traditional institutions. In a statement issued by its leader, Chief Olayemi Afolayan, the group accused unnamed political actors of attempting to coerce first-class monarchs across Kwara South into backing Speaker Danladi-Salihu.
“Our kings are fathers to all, irrespective of political affiliations, and must remain neutral arbiters who unite rather than divide their people,” the statement read.
The group warned that politicising traditional institutions could erode their moral authority and undermine their role in maintaining peace and community cohesion. It described the alleged actions as “disturbing” and “profoundly disrespectful,” stressing that traditional stools must not be reduced to tools of partisan contest.
The Kwara South Mandate Group also questioned the fairness of the alleged developments, noting that no similar pressure had been reported in other senatorial districts.
“Leadership must be pursued through the will of the people, not through the coercion of revered institutions,” the group stated, calling on political actors to respect the autonomy of traditional rulers.
As Kwara moves closer to the 2027 election cycle, the unfolding controversy presents what many see as a defining test for the state’s democratic culture.
At the heart of the debate is a fundamental question: Will Kwara sustain the participatory political spirit born out of the 2019 electoral shift, or will it drift toward a system where leadership outcomes are shaped behind closed doors?
