Kwara APC faces fresh tensions over religion, 2027 succession battle

A Kwara-based group, Concerned Youth of Ifelodun, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of systematically excluding Christians from political participation in the state. In a statement signed by spokesman Busayo Adelowo, the group alleged that Muslims have dominated elective and appointive positions since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, including all three senators and six House of Representatives members from Kwara. The group also claimed no Christian lawmaker has emerged from the Ifelodun/Oyun/Offa Federal Constituency in the same period, while strategic state offices—such as commissioners, local government chairmen, and heads of parastatals—are predominantly held by Muslims. The APC leadership, including Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was urged to address the imbalance ahead of the 2027 elections. The group warned that Christian aspirants risk being sidelined in favor of a preferred Muslim candidate for the House of Representatives seat in Kwara South, calling for fairness to prevent party divisions. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had previously raised similar concerns over perceived lopsided appointments. APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda responded through his media adviser, Abimbola Tooki, stating the party would examine the allegations seriously. Yilwatda acknowledged the sensitivity of religious issues and assured that all complaints would be reviewed appropriately. Separately, the sociopolitical organization Democratic Network International (DNI) reported Kwara has the highest number of governorship aspirants among APC-controlled states, with 16 candidates already declared. Comparatively, Adamawa has 10, Bauchi eight, Oyo 11, and Rivers four. The DNI noted the surge in aspirants could exacerbate internal party tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, where Governor AbdulRazaq is expected to seek re-election or transition to the Senate.