By Taofik Adekunle Jimoh (JAAT)
The trajectory for the race to determine who Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq will hand over to on May 29, 2027, is underway, with all the zones gearing up for it.
Colonel Rasheed Alade Shekoni handed over to Mohammed Alabi Lawal (Omo Oladerin) in May 1999. Lawal governed from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2003, and was succeeded by Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, MBBS, CON, who served from May 29, 2003, to May 29, 2011. These two governors hail from Kwara Central.
Saraki was succeeded by Abdulfatah Ahmed, who governed for eight years before power returned to Kwara Central with the election of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. By 2027, Kwara Central will have held the governorship for 24 years, Kwara South for eight years, and Kwara North for none.
WHO ARE THE SUCCESSORS?
Just Event Online conducted an online poll on November 29 titled, “2027: Who will wear the crown in Kwara among them?” featuring 12 candidates. This piqued my interest, prompting this analysis.
KWARA CENTRAL
1. Senator Saliu Mustapha
Known as “The Senator for All” and the Fourth Turaki of Ilorin, Senator Mustapha is reportedly preparing for the governorship race in 2027. His recent engagements in Kwara South and North support this speculation.
For instance, he was conferred with the title Atunluse of Oro-Ago Kingdom by His Royal Majesty Oba Olanrewaju Dada Johnson, the Oloro of Oro-Ago, during the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary.
Additionally, he was the chief launcher at the 2024 Igbomina Day celebration in Iludun-Oro, donating ₦10 million.
A seasoned politician, Senator Mustapha has served as the first National Publicity Secretary of the Progressive Action Congress (PAC), National Deputy Chairman of the ANPP (2009), and a member of the APC merger committee. Despite losing the APC chairmanship race in 2022 to Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Mustapha remains a formidable figure in Nigerian politics.
Why not transform “The Senator for All” into “The Governor for All” in 2027?
2. Professor Ali Ahmad
Prof. Ahmad, a professor of law at the University of Abuja and Speaker of the 8th Kwara State House of Assembly, is another strong contender.
In 2018, he withdrew from the PDP gubernatorial primary. During the 2023 elections, he was the Director-General of the PDP gubernatorial campaign council in Kwara.
Recently, he has become more visible in public engagements, delivering goodwill messages and offering support through his foundation.
Prof. Ahmad’s close association with Dr. Bukola Saraki has raised speculation about whether his candidacy could represent a “Saraki comeback.”
3. Barrister Kamaldeen Ajibade (AK Ajibade)
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade is a former Attorney General of Kwara State and the National Legal Adviser of the PDP.
Despite his professional demeanour, Ajibade has openly shown his political affiliations, celebrating key PDP stakeholders.
Ajibade’s experience and political relationships position him as a notable contender for 2027.
4. Honorable Moshood Mustapha (MM)
A former governorship aspirant in 2019, Hon. Moshood Mustapha represented Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives (2011–2015).
Known for “the demolition of the Crystal Shopping Complex” saga, some social media posts afterwards have been suggesting Mustapha has expressed interest in the 2027 governorship race.
MM, who served in various capacities under Dr. Bukola Saraki’s administration, remains influential, particularly through his political group, Team MM, which has members across the state’s 16 LGAs.
5. Engr. Kale Kawu (Dan Iyan Ilorin)
Engineer Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, a Director at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), is admired for his philanthropy and cultural advocacy.
While Kawu has not publicly declared his ambition, several Facebook pages and social media campaigns suggest his supporters are gearing up for his 2027 candidacy.
6. Professor Sulaiman Olarewaju Amana
Despite distancing himself from political parties, Prof. Sulaiman Olarewaju Amana has been described as a “quintessential candidate” for 2027.
A former Minister of National Planning and current DG of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), his leadership qualities have drawn widespread attention.
7. Alhaji Hakeem Oladimeji Lawal
The son of former Governor Mohammed Alabi Lawal, Hakeem Lawal, has long aspired to govern Kwara State.
Having contested in 2014, 2018, and 2023 under various platforms (PDP, APC, and SDP), Lawal’s persistence mirrors the political journey of figures like Senator Lola Ashiru and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who faced multiple defeats before success.
With a solid political background and experience as the treasurer of the 1998 gubernatorial campaign, Lawal remains a formidable force in Kwara politics.
KWARA NORTH
1. Senator Umar Suleiman Sadiq
Senator Umar Suleiman Sadiq, the incumbent senator representing Kwara North, is positioning himself for a stronger political future as he eyes the 2027 gubernatorial race.
In May 2024, he highlighted the rising agitation among the people of Kwara North for the governorship seat, emphasizing that the region has been marginalized in this regard since 1999.
The last time Kwara North produced a governor was in 1992 during the aborted transition to the Third Republic.
During his interaction with journalists, Senator Sadiq appealed to the other senatorial districts to support Kwara North in producing the next governor, irrespective of party affiliations.
He framed this as a matter of justice, equity, and harmony. Whether his advocacy will translate into political momentum remains to be seen, but the senator’s stance has certainly added weight to the ongoing conversation about power rotation in Kwara State.
2. Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu
Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, the 39-year-old Speaker of the 9th Kwara State House of Assembly, is another key figure in Kwara North’s political landscape.
Speculations abound that he might be Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s preferred candidate for the governorship seat. However, others believe he is simply testing the waters with his growing political engagements.
Recently, Hon. Danladi-Salihu was seen engaging with key political stakeholders, including a visit to Adviser on Political Matters to the Governor, Hon. Femi Agbaje Whyte, and his participation in the Ojoku Day celebrations. While these moves signify a deliberate effort to build grassroots support, many argue that his chances hinge heavily on the APC’s internal structure and strategy.
Nonetheless, political observers warn that if Danladi-Salihu becomes the APC gubernatorial candidate without solid groundwork, the party risks a significant loss in the 2027 elections. I once remarked, “If APC fields Danladi, they could lose the election by 10 a.m.”
KWARA SOUTH
1. Qs Muhydeen Okunlola Kayode (MOK)
The 2027 gubernatorial race in Kwara State might feature fresh faces, and one of the most discussed names in Kwara State is Qs Muhydeen Okunlola Kayode (MOK).
A distinguished entrepreneur, MOK is the Principal Partner of Luxiar Construction Limited and the founder of the Muhydeen Okunlola Kayode (MOK) Foundation. With over a decade of experience in the construction industry, he has built a reputation for professionalism and excellence.
Although MOK has not officially declared any political ambitions, speculations about his potential candidacy have been widespread. Many supporters have declared their readiness to campaign on his behalf, showcasing his influence and popularity.
Through his foundation and philanthropic initiatives, MOK has made a name for himself across Kwara State, championing human capital development, youth empowerment, and community support.
Initially, some speculated that MOK might contest for a State House of Assembly seat, then a Federal House of Representatives seat. However, his widespread philanthropic activities have fueled conversations about his suitability for the governorship position. As his admirers assert, MOK’s growing prominence sends shivers down the spine of traditional politicians in Kwara South and beyond.
2. Senator Lola Ashiru
Arc. Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, the Deputy Senate Leader and current Senator representing Kwara South Senatorial District, is another heavyweight in the 2027 gubernatorial conversation.
In January 2024, Senator Ashiru dismissed zoning as a consideration for the next gubernatorial race, emphasizing that governorship positions in Kwara State have historically been contested without strict adherence to zoning arrangements.
Over the months, Kwara Northerners have ramped up their appeals for the seat to be ceded to their region, but Senator Ashiru remains steadfast in his belief that the race should be open to all three zones.
If he secures the governorship position, he would not only make history as the first elected governor from Offa but also as a leader who navigated the complex zoning dynamics of Kwara politics.
Interestingly, both MOK and Senator Ashiru hail from Offa, making the town a focal point in Kwara South’s political narrative.
With their contrasting styles and approaches to leadership, they represent two formidable contenders who could reshape the state’s political landscape.
Taofik Adekunle Jimoh (JAAT), the editor of News Bulletin Nigeria writes from Offa, Kwara State.
He can be reached via 08144510532
