APC Kwara Governorship Primary Set for Today as Consensus fails, Obanikoro Pledges Fair Process*

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Kwara State Governorship Primary Election Committee, Musiliu Obanikoro, has assured party members of a free, fair, and transparent primary election today.

The primary was postponed after the APC leadership failed to secure a consensus candidate. It was initially scheduled for Thursday alongside other states but was rescheduled by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka. The Kwara and Bauchi governorship primaries were moved to Friday, while primaries for Maradun I and Maradun II constituencies in Zamfara were shifted to Sunday, May 24.

Outlining the process, Obanikoro said electoral materials would be distributed before Juma’at prayers, with voting starting simultaneously across all 16 local government areas. Local Government Election Officers appointed by the committee will receive materials and oversee voting in their respective areas.

“The committee is fully prepared to conduct the exercise in strict compliance with the directives of the APC National Headquarters and in accordance with established party guidelines,” Obanikoro said.

He added that the committee had briefed all governorship aspirants at the APC State Secretariat in Ilorin and addressed their concerns to ensure an inclusive process. While efforts were made to reach a consensus, he said the committee was ready to conduct a credible election if that failed.

“The committee is the only body duly authorised by the party and relevant laws to conduct, conclude and report on the primary,” he stated, urging stakeholders to remain peaceful and united.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had earlier endorsed Yahaya Seriki as his preferred aspirant. Reports indicated that several aspirants, including Prof. Wale Sulaiman, Dr. Mohammed Bio, Dr. Toyin Alabi, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Captain Ahmad Mahmoud, Hajia Aisha Patigi, Dr. Salako Oluwatoyin, and Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, had withdrawn from the race.

On Thursday, supporters of Seriki, Senator Saliu Mustapha, Bashir Bolarinwa, and Femi Sanni mobilized in Adewole Ward, Ilorin West LGA.