Political maneuvering within the All Progressives Congress (APC) is intensifying ahead of the party’s governorship primary election in Kwara State, as leading aspirants continue consultations and grassroots mobilization in preparation for the 2027 contest.
The race for the Ahmadu Bello Government House is gradually becoming clearer, with a handful of prominent contenders emerging from an initially crowded field. Although nearly 30 party members reportedly showed interest in the governorship race, only about 15 aspirants proceeded to obtain the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, a development viewed by political observers as a reflection of seriousness, political structure, and financial capability.
Amid debates over zoning arrangements, indications suggest that the Kwara APC may adopt an open contest rather than restricting the ticket to any particular senatorial district.
Among those considered leading contenders for the APC governorship ticket are former APC State Chairman and Chairman of Stefolga Group/Flow FM, Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa; tech entrepreneur Engr. Femi Sanni, popularly known as ARABA; Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi; Senator representing Kwara Central, Mallam Saliu Mustapha; and businessman Amb. Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki.
Political analysts note that the list of aspirants reflects the party’s statewide spread and the competitive nature of the race within the ruling party.
However, growing attention appears to be focusing on Engr. Femi Sanni (ARABA), whose supporters describe him as a candidate with both capacity and credibility to lead the state.
Sanni, who hails from Omu-Aran in Kwara South Senatorial District, has maintained a visible presence in Kwara politics for over two decades. Widely known across the state, he is said to enjoy support from various political blocs and community stakeholders across the 16 local government areas.
His campaign has reportedly gained traction among party members, artisans, traders, youth groups, and community leaders, with several independent support groups mobilizing across the state’s 193 wards ahead of the APC primaries.
Observers within the party say Sanni’s increasing popularity has made him one of the major talking points in the APC governorship contest, with many supporters presenting him as a potential successor capable of consolidating the achievements of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
As political activities continue to build toward the primaries, the coming months are expected to shape the direction of the APC’s governorship ticket and the broader political landscape in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 general elections.