Support Groups in Kwara Back Tinubu and APC Candidates for 2027 Elections

A group of over 30 organizations under the Oniyangi Progressive Alliance has announced support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and candidates from the All Progressives Congress in Kwara State for the 2027 general elections.

The alliance also supports Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the Kwara Central senatorial seat and Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, as their choice for governor.

Mohammed Kamaldeen, the Coordinator of OPA, shared this information during a press conference in Ilorin on Friday. He outlined their political plans, grassroots mobilization strategy, and readiness for the 2027 elections.

The alliance is led by Abdulazeez Oniyangi, its convener and an APC member in Kwara State. He described the group as a welcoming political gathering of support groups and individuals from different backgrounds.

"This is a house that is open to everybody and with a lot of support groups as well, even out of Kwara State: talking the SNupe, Hausa, Fulani, and other communities.

"It’s a rally point: an alliance that gathers people together with diverse opinions but are Progressives members," Oniyangi stated.

Oniyangi expressed confidence in the APC’s chances in the upcoming elections, noting that the party is ready to win despite any obstacles.

"In as much as I don’t want to be complacent, I can tell you for free that our chances are bright, regardless of any challenges that we may have.

"There is no smooth road anywhere in the world, there must be turbulence. The important thing is to have a proper and safe landing and we are landing well," he added.

Regarding internal issues in the APC, the OPA leader recognized the concerns of dissatisfied members and encouraged them to seek reconciliation before the elections.

"I can also say any grievances are valid. Concerning the aggrieved members, I respect their grievances but I will only plead that we are one family.

"It is only God that gives and He has given somebody. Let’s address our differences and move forward," he said.

The alliance mentioned its support for AbdulRazaq’s senatorial ambition, believing his governance experience will boost representation and advocacy for Kwara Central’s development needs.

They also supported Danladi-Salihu for governor, emphasizing the need for leadership that promotes fairness, inclusion, and belonging throughout the state.

OPA confirmed it would back other APC candidates in Kwara and Tinubu’s re-election through grassroots mobilization, responsible messaging, and peaceful participation in democracy.

The alliance is also working to improve coordination among its affiliate groups to enhance community engagement and ensure its political messages reach the people effectively.

They announced plans to strengthen the Central Media Coordinating Directorate, which manages content production, digital media, media monitoring, and communication.

Meanwhile, the alliance defended the AbdulRazaq administration’s development projects, especially the Ilorin Innovation Hub, arguing that it offers lasting opportunities for the youth.

Zainab Issa, the Director of Organisation, stated the project shows the governor’s commitment to creating benefits that will last beyond his time in office.

"The governor is not looking at today only. He is looking to have legacies that young people and Kwarans in general can benefit from for a long time," she said.

Issa added that the hub is open to residents, especially young people pursuing technology and entrepreneurial skills.

"The Innovation Hub is very accessible to everybody, particularly enabling the youths to have access to tech and entrepreneurial skills. There are a lot of activities going on there. The governor made it possible," she said.

OPA called on its members, including women and youth, to stay united and disciplined as they prepare for the 2027 elections.

The alliance also warned against misinformation, intimidation, and personal attacks, urging that political engagement should remain peaceful and focused on issues affecting the people of Kwara State.