By Peter Omopo
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has formally presented the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, to the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The presentation took place during a courtesy visit to the Emir’s Palace in Ilorin shortly after the monarch announced the appointment of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki as the 13th Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate.
According to details released by the Kwara State Government, Governor AbdulRazaq congratulated the Emir on the appointment of the new Chief Imam and prayed for divine guidance, wisdom and good health for him in the discharge of his religious responsibilities.
The governor described the appointment as significant for both the Ilorin Emirate and the wider Muslim community, expressing confidence that the new Chief Imam would contribute positively to the spiritual growth of the people.
During the visit, AbdulRazaq formally introduced Danladi-Salihu to the Emir as the APC’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election and sought the monarch’s blessings for the party’s flagbearer.
The Emir was reported to have offered prayers for the candidate and wished him success in the forthcoming election.
The development comes amid growing political activities within the APC in Kwara State following the emergence of Danladi-Salihu as the party’s candidate. Political observers view the palace visit as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots support and consolidate traditional backing ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.
The visit also occurred less than 24 hours after a group of 10 APC governorship aspirants reportedly petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging an internal crisis within the party in the state and calling for intervention ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The presentation of the APC candidate to the Emir marks another step in the build-up to the 2027 elections as political stakeholders continue consultations and engagements across Kwara State.
