A sociopolitical organisation in Kwara state, the Kwara Central Movement for North 2027 Project, has expressed its intention to support a sound and competent candidate from any political party in Kwara North to become the next governor in 2027.

In a statement by the national coordinator of the movement and former Speaker in the Ilorin East local government, Hon. Bamidele Abdullahi Olanrewaju, in Ilorin on Sunday, the group said that the next governor of the state should come from the Kwara North senatorial district in the interest of peace and justice.

“In light of our ongoing heterogeneity, unity in diversity, and inclusive participation in the spirit of peace, justice, and fairness, we believe it is ethically legitimate to provide all necessary supports for the implementation of the Kwara North 2027 project.

“As a result, the stakeholder engagement submission on March 2, 2024, at Patigi in the palace of His Royal Highness was a welcome development that deserves the support of all Kwarans, both at home and abroad.”

“Since 1999, the people of Kwara North have been exceedingly generous in providing maximum support, collaboration, understanding, and reasonable patience to the other two senatorial districts, particularly Kwara Central.

“Without any doubt, the 1999 Federal Republic of Nigeria Constitution, as amended, guarantees every qualified citizen the democratic right to freely contest.

“However, in the spirit of our ongoing peaceful coexistence and natural justice, we from the other senatorial districts should concede to Kwara North to produce the State Governor come 2027.”

The former legislator also said that the people are prepared to work with all progressive individuals and groups to identify and mobilise support across the state “for a candidate with credibility, integrity, a solid educational background, experience in the art of politics and governance, diplomatic courage, and the capacity for service delivery, regardless of political party affiliation or socioeconomic status, to be our governor in 2027 from the North.

“In the spirit of modernity, Kwara State has developed and cannot continue to operate as before by operating a political system that is antithetical to the ingredients of democracy, which are equity, justice, and fairness.

“We must keep our dear state's future and prosperity in mind at all times. The harsh reality is that what is unfair to one is unfair to all. Giving support to the Kwara North 2027 initiative helps to maintain an age-old partnership based on mutual trust and understanding.

“We are, therefore, assuring our fellow Kwarans that ahead of 2027, without fears or favours, we shall sincerely mobilise and rally support for a people-oriented candidate and a formidable stalwart with sound knowledge of the Kwara state political landscape.

“Consequently, we are once again using this opportunity to appeal to our fellow Kwarans to join us in this historical movement to achieve democratic check and balance in our dear state come 2027 by the grace of almighty God,” the statement said.