“In politics, as in life, every season presents its own opportunities. Some doors close, not to end the journey, but to redirect our steps toward greater possibilities.”
The events of the past few days have marked a defining moment in the political journey towards the 2027 General Elections. Around midnight on July 11, 2026, being the deadline for the submission of Presidential and National Assembly candidates by political parties to the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP), the All Progressives Congress (APC) announced the successful completion of the upload of its candidates.
In the words of the National Chairman of our great party, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda:
"I congratulate our candidates, leaders, and members of APC on the successful 100% upload of our Presidential, Vice Presidential, Senate, and House of Representatives candidates on the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal.
With this milestone achieved, our focus now shifts to mobilization and preparations for a successful campaign and decisive victory at the polls."
This announcement represents a significant milestone and, for many aspirants and supporters who invested time, resources, energy, and personal sacrifice into their political ambitions, it also signals a moment of difficult reflection.
To my brothers, friends, and compatriots within the Kwara APC family, particularly members and supporters of the G15 movement, this is a moment that requires maturity, wisdom, and a renewed commitment to the collective interest of our party and our state.
Let me state clearly: I will never criminalize or dismiss anyone’s legitimate aspiration for political inclusion. Every individual who has contested or supported a political cause has the right to expect fairness, recognition, and a place in the political conversation. Political participation is built on passion, sacrifice, and commitment, and those who have invested themselves into the process deserve respect.
However, while our aspirations are valid, the manner in which we pursue them matters. Every political struggle must ultimately be guided by a shared vision and collective purpose rather than personal entitlement. The question before us now is not about who won or who lost; it is about how we preserve our collective strength and secure a better future for ourselves, our communities, and our state.
To Our Distinguished National Assembly Members: Your Journey Is Not Over
For our serving National Assembly members who may not have secured return tickets for the 2027 elections, whether after one, two, or even three terms in office, this moment should not be viewed as the end of the road.
By the grace of Almighty Allah, you have enjoyed a rare privilege that hundreds of Kwarans since 2018 have never had — the opportunity to serve our people, represent our communities, and contribute to national development. That achievement remains significant and worthy of appreciation.
Your years of service have built valuable experience, relationships, and records that can position you for greater responsibilities in the future. Thankfully, most of you are still young, energetic, and capable of contributing meaningfully to public service for many years ahead.
The reality, however, is that those opportunities can only be maximized when we operate as a united political family capable of delivering votes, influence, and collective strength.
Unity Remains Our Greatest Political Asset
One of the painful realities we must honestly confront is that despite Kwara State’s overwhelming support for the APC at the national level, including delivering historic victories in the 2019 and 2023 general elections, the benefits and opportunities flowing back to our state through federal appointments and interventions have not always reflected the magnitude of our support.
This is not the time to apportion blame or reopen old wounds. Rather, it is a moment to recognize that unity and strategic cooperation are essential if Kwara must maximize its opportunities.
Imagine the impact if more of our capable sons and daughters are positioned in federal agencies, boards, and institutions. Imagine the number of lives that can be transformed through stronger access to federal programmes, investments, and opportunities.
The cost of division is not just political; it directly affects the development prospects of our people.
The House Belongs To All Of Us
Politics is ultimately about balancing personal ambition, community interests, and collective progress.
We must remember that this political house belongs to all of us. We may all desire a particular seat, position, or opportunity, but when circumstances do not favour us after exhausting legitimate internal mechanisms, the solution cannot be to destroy the very house we all hope to inherit.
If someone occupies the chair we desired, we must not set the entire house on fire in frustration. The flames will not only consume the chair; they will consume the house and affect everyone within it.
Political disappointment is painful, but wisdom lies in knowing that today’s setback does not define tomorrow’s opportunity.
*To Our Brothers Still Pursuing Gubernatorial Aspirations*
For those who are still hopeful and committed to the gubernatorial contest, I acknowledge your courage, resilience, and determination. Every political journey requires effort, sacrifice, and the willingness to fight for one’s convictions.
However, strategic retreat is sometimes also a strategy.
As the saying goes, “Knowing when to fold ’em means understanding when to step away from a losing situation to avoid further loss.”
You have made your case. You have engaged stakeholders. You have mobilized supporters. You have created awareness around your aspirations. You have earned respect through the process.
But politics is also about recognizing realities and making decisions that protect long-term relevance.
I do not claim to know what others know, and I do not pretend to understand every conversation happening behind the scenes. However, from my perspective, it would require an extraordinary political development to alter the current reality surrounding the emergence of Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi as the APC gubernatorial candidate of Kwara State.
We may disagree with aspects of the primary process. We may have different opinions about the choice. Such debates are part of democracy. However, the reality remains that every aspirant had an opportunity to present their vision, engage stakeholders, and compete for the confidence of the party.
That chapter has largely closed. The next chapter must be about building victory together.
Why Unity Behind The Party’s Candidate Matters
For those who genuinely desire victory for the APC in 2027, our strongest pathway remains collective unity behind the party’s candidate and leadership structure.
Some arguments suggest that an alternative candidate would automatically unite everyone and guarantee victory. However, politics involves many complex variables.
First, an alternative candidate emerging from Kwara North at this stage appears highly unlikely. Secondly, such a development may create perceptions of betrayal and make mobilization in Kwara North more challenging.
Furthermore, with the opposition party’s candidate configuration in Kwara Central, that senatorial district is likely to become a competitive battleground. The APC cannot afford to assume automatic dominance anywhere.
Likewise, any effort to win Kwara South without the active support and cooperation of our Governor would be extremely difficult given the realities of grassroots structures, political networks, and existing relationships.
These realities demand strategic thinking, not emotional reactions.
Let Us Choose Reconciliation Over Division
I understand that this contest is about more than just candidacy. There are deeper concerns, frustrations, and fears about the future direction of the party.
But we must be careful not to pursue short-term victories at the expense of long-term relevance.
Opposition is not a desirable destination. Losing political influence affects everyone — leaders, followers, communities, and future generations.
The wise approach now is reconciliation.
Come to the negotiation table. Advocate for your interests. Fight for the best possible outcome for yourself and your supporters. Seek solutions around party structures, appointments, legislative opportunities, advisory roles, and other avenues of meaningful participation.
But let the negotiations be guided by fairness, humility, and the understanding that we are stronger together.
A Personal Appeal
There are many channels available for dialogue and reconciliation. Let us use them.
And if my humble efforts can contribute in any way toward peace and unity within our party, I remain available to serve.
Permit me, therefore, to once again self-appoint myself as a humble Kwara APC Peace Ambassador — not by authority, but by commitment to the unity, progress, and success of our great party.
The time for division must give way to cooperation.
The time for grievances must transition into dialogue.
The time for individual battles must become a season of collective victory.
May Almighty Allah guide our leaders, strengthen our party, and continue to bless Kwara State.
At your humble service,
Engr. Nurudeen Adeyemi
ENACT Principal
Self-Appointed Kwara APC Peace Ambassador
A Loyalist of the All Progressives Congress.
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