The All Progressives Congress, APC, Kwara State stakeholders have petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, raising the alarm over what they described as actions by the state governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, that could jeopardise the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
In an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signed by Olosasa Toyin, Comrade Onimasa Hazmat Ganeey, and Alhaji Abdulraheem Alabi, and copied to the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, on Thursday in Abuja, the stakeholders said they have been part of the progressive movement since the party’s formation in 2013.
They, however, warned that developments in Kwara State could undermine these gains politically as they stand today.
The petitioners, who briefed the APC correspondents at the party’s national secretariat, accused the Governor of pursuing policies and actions inimical to the party’s success, alleging that his leadership style has alienated both party elites and grassroots supporters.
They cited rising insecurity in parts of the state, claiming that the governor has failed to demonstrate empathy by not visiting affected communities.
According to the stakeholders, Governor AbdulRazaq has also distanced himself from party leadership and members since assuming office in 2019, despite benefiting from their collective efforts to secure victory for the APC in the state, stating that the governor is attempting to impose his preferred candidates ahead of the 2027 elections, describing the move as undemocratic and coercive.
The letter reads: “We are concerned members of the APC in Kwara State, drawing the attention of the national leadership of our great party and the general public to growing challenges confronting the party in our state.
‘We state without hesitation that we were participants in the historic “Otoge” movement that brought the party to power in Kwara State. However, it is deeply troubling that many of the key leaders and stakeholders who contributed to that famous success are now alienated and pushed out of the party due to the current leadership approach under Governor Abdulrazaq.
“As loyal and committed party members, our primary objective is to ensure the success of the APC in the 2027 general elections, from the presidential to the states and the House of Assembly levels.
“We strongly desire victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the state and across Nigeria; however, the ongoing exodus of dedicated party members, particularly those who played significant roles in the ‘Otoge’ movement, poses a serious threat to our collective electoral fortunes.
“We are concerned that actions, such as persistent litigations and demolition of properties allegedly linked to prominent members and elites of the party, are creating unnecessary tension within the state and, further, deepening divisions within the party.
“We, therefore, call on the national leadership of our party, President Tinubu, his vice, Kashim Shettima, and the National Assembly to urgently intervene in this matter, as we urge Governor Abdulrazaq to reconsider his approach to party management and embrace inclusiveness and foster unity amongst stakeholders and party members.
“Our position remains clear; we are seeking peace, unity and progress within the party in the state, through which we can only secure collective engagement and reconciliation so that we will be able to sustain gains of the ‘Otoge’ movement and secure victory in future elections.
“We remain committed to the ideals and success of our great party, the APC,” the letter stated.
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