By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo
Two youth groups in the Ilorin Emirate in Kwara have declared support for the governorship ambition of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, in the 2027 election.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the groups comprised Ilorin Emirate Dynamic Youth Initiative and the Ilorin Emirate Youth Progressives for Communities
Addressing a joint news conference on Monday in Ilorin, spokesperson for the groups, Mr Abdulwaheed Olamilekan, said that it was the turn of Kwara North Senatorial District to produce the state’s governor in the interest of equity, fairness and inclusive governance.
Olamilekan said that 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,” he said.
According to him, while Kwara Central and Kwara South have produced governors since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Kwara North is 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,” he stated.
Olamilekan described Danladi’s aspiration as a legitimate quest for inclusion and political balance, stressing that supporting a candidate from Kwara North would strengthen unity and foster a greater sense of belonging among the state’s diverse communities.
He further said that the demand for support from the other senatorial districts would show appreciation for the district’s consistent political support 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,” he added.
Olamilekan highlighted Danladi’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.
“Rt. Hon. Danladi possesses the competence, experience and youthful energy required to deepen youth participation, empowerment and sustainable development across Kwara State,” he said.
Olamilekan urged APC leaders, stakeholders and residents of the state to support Danladi’s governorship aspiration and ensure that Kwara North produces the next governor in 2027.
He maintained that giving all sections of the state a sense of belonging would promote social cohesion, peace and sustainable development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)