Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has formally presented the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election in the state.
The presentation took place during a courtesy visit to the Emir’s palace in Ilorin shortly after the revered monarch announced the appointment of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani as the 13th Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate.
The development marks a significant moment in the political landscape of Kwara State, as preparations for the 2027 governorship election gradually gather momentum. The visit, which was attended by political associates, government officials, traditional leaders, and religious stakeholders, combined both political and religious significance.
According to details shared on the official Facebook page of the Kwara State Government on Saturday, Governor AbdulRazaq used the occasion to congratulate the Emir on the successful appointment of the new Chief Imam. He described the selection of Sheikh Dasuki as a milestone for the Ilorin Emirate and prayed for divine wisdom, guidance, and strength for the new Islamic leader as he assumes the important spiritual responsibility.
The governor noted that the office of the Chief Imam occupies a central position in the religious and social life of the Ilorin Emirate and expressed confidence that Sheikh Dasuki would uphold the values of scholarship, peace, unity, and moral leadership associated with the office.
AbdulRazaq also sought the blessings and prayers of the Emir for the continued peace, stability, and development of Kwara State. He acknowledged the role of the traditional institution in fostering harmony among the diverse communities across the state and praised the Emir for his leadership and commitment to preserving the cultural and religious heritage of the emirate.
A major highlight of the visit was the formal introduction of Danladi-Salihu to the Emir as the APC’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election. The presentation effectively signaled the party’s readiness to begin consultations with key stakeholders ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Danladi-Salihu, who has served as Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, is widely regarded as one of the prominent political figures within the ruling party in the state. His emergence as the APC flagbearer is expected to shape political discussions in the months leading to the election.
Observers noted that presenting the candidate to the Emir reflects the longstanding tradition of political leaders paying respect to traditional authorities and seeking their blessings before embarking on major political journeys.
In Kwara State, the Emir of Ilorin remains one of the most influential traditional rulers, commanding respect across political, religious, and social divides.
During the visit, Governor AbdulRazaq reportedly emphasized the need for unity within the party and among the people of the state. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining development projects and ensuring a smooth transition that would preserve the gains achieved over the years.
The governor expressed confidence in Danladi-Salihu’s capacity to build upon existing achievements and continue policies aimed at improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, and economic development in the state.
The Emir, while receiving the governor and the APC candidate, was said to have welcomed the delegation warmly. He appreciated the visit and reiterated the importance of peace, justice, and responsible leadership in governance.
The monarch also used the opportunity to call on political actors to conduct their activities peacefully and in a manner that promotes unity among residents of the state. He stressed that the interest of the people should remain paramount in all political engagements.
The event came against the backdrop of the recent appointment of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani as the 13th Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate, a development that has attracted widespread attention within religious and community circles. The appointment followed consultations among Islamic scholars, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders within the emirate.
Religious leaders present at the palace offered prayers for the new Chief Imam, the Emir, the governor, and the people of Kwara State. Special prayers were also offered for continued peace, prosperity, and political stability in the state.
Political analysts believe the formal presentation of Danladi-Salihu to the Emir represents an important step in consolidating support for the APC ahead of the 2027 election. They argue that the move demonstrates the party’s intention to engage key institutions and community leaders early in the political process.
As political activities gradually intensify across the country ahead of the next general elections, stakeholders are expected to closely monitor developments in Kwara State, where the APC remains a dominant political force.
For now, the visit to the Emir’s palace served as a symbolic convergence of politics, tradition, and religion, highlighting the enduring influence of traditional institutions in shaping public discourse and fostering social cohesion in the state.
With the endorsement process beginning to take shape and consultations continuing among political stakeholders, attention will increasingly focus on how the APC and its candidate position themselves for the 2027 governorship contest in Kwara State.
