The political stage in Kwara State is already active as various groups and aspirants position themselves for the 2027 general elections, with debates over zoning, equity, and performance taking center stage.
In the southern senatorial district, the Igbomina ethnic bloc has publicly declared its turn to produce the next senator. The group, Omo Ibile Igbomina, argues this is a matter of fairness. They say the Ekiti and Ibolo blocs have each held the seat for about 12 years, while Igbomina has only had it for four years. The Ibolo bloc currently occupies the position .
The chairman of a recent "Igbomina Lokan" summit, Chief Solo Olaoye, called the situation politically unsustainable. He said the spirit of rotational equity is needed for unity and development. The group has asked its leaders to form a committee to promote its goal with other blocs and political parties . This push for the Kwara South Senate seat is a central theme.
At the same time, current federal lawmakers from Kwara South face strong criticism for their performance. Traditional rulers and community leaders say the officials have done little for the region's development .
The Olupo of Ajasepo, Oba Mohammed Bolaji Alebiosu, who leads the Kwara South traditional rulers, was direct in his assessment. He described the lawmakers as "fake" and said they have not helped their constituents. He even suggested that during the next election, voters should take any campaign money offered but still choose the best candidates .
This frustration is linked to major problems with federal roads in the area and a serious security crisis. Bandit attacks and kidnappings have hit local government areas like Ifelodun, Isin, and Irepodun hard. Reports say hundreds of residents have fled their homes, creating a dire situation . One critic noted that the area's representatives were slow to act on these security threats .
The race for the governorship is just as active. A major push is underway for the job to go to Kwara North Senatorial District. This zone has never produced a governor since democratic rule resumed in 1999 .
This movement is gaining support. Both the Ibolo and Ekiti blocs within Kwara South have said they back the idea of a governor from the north . The Moro Descendants Development Union in Kwara North also supports the push. However, the group has made it clear that if the governorship does not come to their part of Kwara North, they will seek a major position like a Senate or House of Representatives seat instead .
Not everyone agrees with this zoning plan. A group from Kwara Central, the Kwara Central Advancement Elders Forum, has rejected the idea that their district should not compete for the governorship. They challenge claims of a past zoning deal and ask for proof. They also highlight that Kwara Central has the largest share of voters in the state .
Several politicians are already seen as potential contenders. From Kwara North, names include Senator Sadiq Umar, House of Assembly Speaker Yakubu Danladi Salihu, and businessman Tajudeen Audu . From Kwara Central, possible aspirants include Senator Saliu Mustapha and Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, a former minister .
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) faces internal challenges. One party chieftain said that unless the national leadership steps in, the party's internal crisis could lead to defeat in 2027. He also gave the current state governor a mixed performance review .
In a show of early force, seven local council chairmen from the APC were seen at a gathering endorsing the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi Salihu, for governor. This happened even as the security situation in Kwara South worsened, leading some residents to call the early campaigning insensitive .
The coming months will test the strength of these early movements. The demands for equity in Kwara South and Kwara North will compete with debates over candidate quality and party unity. The state's political future will be shaped by how these issues of representation, performance, and security are addressed on the road to 2027.