Traditional rulers from Kwara North Senatorial District have expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq following the emergence of Salihu Yakubu Danladi as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 election.

The monarchs paid a thank-you visit to Governor AbdulRazaq at Ahmadu Bello House in Ilorin over the weekend, describing the development as a major milestone for the northern part of the state.

Leading the delegation was Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, who said the emergence of a candidate from Kwara North addressed a long-standing agitation for political inclusion and fairness within the state.

"Your Excellency, the entire people of Kwara North are here this afternoon to thank you for what you have done for us. One of our sons, the Rt Hon Salihu Yakubu Danladi, has become the flagbearer for APC governorship in the 2027 general elections, and we are immensely grateful," the monarch said.

"We are here this afternoon to say thank you very much. May Allah continue to guide and protect you."

The traditional ruler also commended the governor for ongoing developmental projects across Kwara North, including road construction, healthcare infrastructure, and electrification initiatives.

"We also thank you for everything you have been doing for us as a region. You have heard our cries, and this has been a very long agitation from our people, and today, by the grace of God, Allah has made it possible through you," he added.

The monarch further thanked President Tinubu and APC stakeholders for supporting the zoning arrangement that produced the party's candidate from the district.

Responding, Governor AbdulRazaq described the visit as a strong indication of unity among stakeholders from Kwara North and defended the zoning decision as necessary for fairness, peace, and inclusion.

"Moving political leadership around is important for fairness and equity. This is also good for development and sense of belonging," the governor said.

"That is why at the federal level, the President practically rotates between the North and South. It is about development, peace, harmony and equity. That is what we are looking at here."

AbdulRazaq urged the people of Kwara North to fully support the APC candidate during the election, warning against internal divisions that could weaken the district's political opportunity.

"I believe the people of Kwara North will grab this opportunity by voting overwhelmingly to make sure this becomes a reality," he said.

"This is a big opportunity and one cannot say when next such opportunity will come again. You certainly do not want to prove some people right that Kwara North is not ready."

The governor also acknowledged President Tinubu's role in supporting what he described as an equitable political process.

"It is under his leadership that most of these issues have been equitably resolved," he stated.