2027: Be Wary Of Political Hijackers, Kwara APC Chieftains Tell Youths

The coordinator of the Kwara Central All Progressives Congress Elders Caucus, Alh Razaq Lawal on Saturday urged Kwara youths to be wary of political hijackers, who are out to stage a ‘come back to power’ in the 2027 general elections.

He sensitised the youths to the fact that the forthcoming election, especially the governorship remain a contest between the youth and political hijackers.

Lawal spoke alongside leaders of the ruling party at AA Youth Wing Community Resilience Pledge event organised in Ilorin, the state capital to assess the performance of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and mobilise support for APC candidates in the elections.

He allayed the fear in some quarters of a plot to create a new political dynasty with the selection process of the ruling party’s candidates for 2027.

“To our young people, I want you to know that 2027 elections are going to be a battle between the youth and the oppressors in the state. It is a contest between political hijackers and the youth. For three decades or thereabouts, Kwara was in the hand of a prominent political hijacker.

“I want to say again that 2027 is a competition between the old order and the youth in the state. We must know that the old order has crossed its limit. We have to put a stop to it,” Lawal said.

He called on the youth to cultivate peace and unity, describing the duo as necessary ingredients to develop the state.

The APC chieftain, who commended the present administration for providing funding and logistic support for security agencies in the state, also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his recent approval of a Army Division Headquarters in Ilorin.

Also speaking, the deputy chief whip of the state House of Assembly, Mrs Maryam Yusuf Aladi, said the administration of AbdulRazaq has restored public confidence in government through transparency and accountability in governance.

She praised the governor for building the capacity of the youth and giving them opportunity to serve in his government.

While challenging the youth to be resilient, embrace innovation, acquire relevant skills and continue to promote peace,Aladi tasked them to reject violence, drug abuse and every act capable of undermining the state’s collective progress.

In his address, the convener of the AA Youth Wing, Shola Ilyas Akanbi, said the event represented a collective declaration of importance placed on the state progress.

He reaffirmed the commitment of his team to promoting peace, responsible citizenship and community development and encouraged the youth to remain disciplined, united and committed to protecting the peace that has made Kwara a model of stability.

“It is with great joy and gratitude that I welcome you all to this historic Community Resilience Pledge. Your presence today demonstrates our shared commitment to peace, unity, security and sustainable development across Kwara State.

“Today is more than a gathering; it is a collective declaration that the progress of our communities is our shared responsibility. Regardless of our backgrounds, religion or political differences, we must continue to work together because the future of Kwara belongs to all of us.

“We cannot gather here today without appreciating the visionary leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Across the sixteen local government areas and 193 wards, his administration has delivered visible projects in road infrastructure, education, health care, youth empowerment, innovation and economic development. These achievements are not mere promises- they are realities that have positively impacted the lives of our people,” Akanbi said.

In attendance at the event were governor’s senior advisee and counselor, Alh Saadu Salahu, who represented Governor AbdulRazaq, House of Representatives member for Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency, Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya; APC House of Representatives Candidate for Ilorin East and South Federal Constituency, Engr Abdulquawiy Olododo; General Manager, Kwara State Social Investment Programmes, Dr Abdulwasiu Tejidini, ex- non executive director of NNPCL, Dr Ghali Alaaya, Alh Ibrahim Danmaigoro and Engr. AbdulRahman Giwa.