Ahead of the All Progressives Congress governorship primary in Kwara State, the race for the party’s ticket narrowed significantly on Wednesday after no fewer than thirteen aspirants stepped down and declared support for Ambassador AbdulFatai Yahaya Seriki, deepening his momentum ahead of Thursday’s exercise.
The aspirants, including Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, Dr Salako Muyideen Oluwatoyin, Captain Ahmad Mahmoud, and Aisha Ahman Patigi announced their decision after an extensive closed-door meeting with Seriki on Wednesday evening in Ilorin, the state capital.
The development comes barely 24 hours after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq publicly endorsed Seriki as his preferred successor, a move that has reshaped political calculations within the ruling party.
At the meeting on Wednesday evening, the aspirants said their decision was driven by the need to preserve party unity and sustain the political and developmental direction of the AbdulRazaq administration.
For his part, Seriki thanked the aspirants for what he described as a demonstration of political maturity and sacrifice, urging party members to close ranks ahead of the primary.
He said the APC in Kwara must remain united to consolidate the gains recorded under Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration over the last seven years.
“This is beyond personal ambition. It is about the future of Kwara State and the need to sustain the progress our people are already witnessing,” Seriki said.
“We must approach this process with unity, understanding and a shared commitment to the development of our state. I deeply appreciate my brothers and sisters who have chosen the path of collaboration and party cohesion.”
He added that the APC’s strength in Kwara had always rested on collective responsibility and mutual respect among leaders and stakeholders.
Others who have also spoken to Seriki include: Senator Saliu Mustapha, Prof. Sulaiman Abubakar, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi, Prof. Wale Suleiman, Dele Belgore, Makama Audu, Hon. Bio Mohammed, Senator Sadiq Umar and Senator Lola Ashiru.
*Young, pro-people, astute and broad-minded: Governor backs Yahaya Seriki*
Governor AbdulRazaq, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said his endorsement of Seriki followed extensive consultations with party leaders and structures across the state.
The governor described Seriki as “young, pro-people, astute and broad-minded,” adding that the ambassador had built strong political goodwill across Kwara through years of mobilisation, philanthropy and investment.
“I have no doubt about his capacity and that his choice is appropriate for the people of our state at this time,” AbdulRazaq said.
The governor, however, clarified that his endorsement was not intended to shut out other aspirants from participating in the primary election.
According to him, the decision should not be interpreted as a rejection of other qualified contenders seeking the party’s ticket.
“The choice of Amb. Yahaya Seriki is neither a disapproval of any of our eminently qualified aspirants nor a whimsical attempt to delegitimise the noble aspirations of our people,” the governor stated.
“With about 16 aspirants in the race, only one candidate can emerge at a time.”
He also commended the aspirants for maintaining decorum throughout the contest and for their commitment to the stability of the party.
*Seriki has shown capacity, loyalty and commitment — Danladi steps down*
One of the first significant endorsements came from Speaker Yakubu Danladi, considered one of the leading contenders before his withdrawal from the race.
Danladi said he aligned with the governor’s decision out of loyalty to the party and confidence in Seriki’s ability to build on the administration’s achievements.
“The endorsement of my good brother and ally, Ambassador AbdulFatai Yahaya Gambari Seriki, by His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is a welcome development,” Danladi said.
“As a committed and loyal party member who believes strongly in the leadership of the governor as the undisputed leader of the party in Kwara, I believe this is a moment for all of us to rally together in the overall interest of the APC and the people of the state.”
He described Seriki as a long-standing supporter of the AbdulRazaq administration and a politician with the experience, business background and grassroots reach needed to sustain governance continuity in the state.
“Ambassador Yahaya Seriki has demonstrated capacity, loyalty and commitment to the growth of our party over the years. He possesses the experience and network necessary to consolidate the gains already achieved by this administration,” Danladi added.
“At this critical moment, every loyal member of the APC must unite behind the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq so that the party can remain strong and victorious heading into 2027.”
The APC governorship primary in Kwara State is scheduled to hold on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
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