Kwara North APC aspirants demand respect for zoning, seek party intervention

Leaders and aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara North Senatorial District have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the district’s long-standing zoning arrangement. At a strategic meeting held on Monday in Patigi Local Government Area, attended by aspirants and Etsu Patigi Dr. Alhaji Umar Bologi, the group warned that any attempt to undermine the zoning principle could threaten peace and unity in the district. The aspirants described zoning as the foundation for fairness and political inclusion, stressing that the rotational system must be respected to ensure justice and equity. They emphasized that zoning has been central to the district’s political stability over the years. The group also pledged to maintain unity among themselves, regardless of who secures the APC senatorial ticket from Patigi Local Government Area. In a communiqué, the aspirants appealed to incumbent Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar to honor the established zoning understanding, which they credited for his emergence as senator. They noted that despite having prominent political figures from Patigi on the ballot during the 2023 elections, Senator Umar, who hails from Kaiama Local Government Area, received overwhelming support. The aspirants urged him to prioritize the collective interest of the district over personal ambition. The group also called on APC leadership and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intervene and protect the existing zoning arrangement. They emphasized that political decisions today would shape Senator Umar’s legacy in Kwara North politics. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to preserve unity within the APC and uphold the district’s political understanding for future elections.