The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State, Bolakale Kawu, has formally received his Certificate of Return from the national leadership of the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

The certificate was presented to Kawu by the National Chairman of the PDP, Abdulrahman Muhammed, during a ceremony held at the party's National Secretariat in Abuja and attended by party leaders, stakeholders and supporters.

The development was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by Kawu's Head of Digital Communications and Media, Sa'adat Bibire, saying the presentation marked another step in the party's preparations for the 2027 governorship contest in Kwara State.

Kawu described the issuance of the certificate as a symbol of the trust and confidence reposed in him by the PDP and its supporters across the state.

He said, "Today, I officially received my Certificate of Return as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Kwara State Governorship election.

"This milestone represents the trust of our great party, the support of our people, and a renewed commitment to the journey ahead."

The PDP flagbearer expressed appreciation to the party leadership and members for the opportunity to represent the party in the forthcoming election.

"I am deeply grateful for the confidence placed in me and I remain committed to working with our party, our people, and all stakeholders towards achieving a greater Kwara," he stated.

Kawu assured party faithful that he would continue to engage with stakeholders across the state and pursue a people-centred agenda focused on development, inclusiveness and good governance.

"Together, we move forward with renewed hope, unity, and determination to deliver the progress and development our people deserve," he added.

The governorship candidate also commended the process that produced him as the PDP candidate, describing it as transparent and credible, while pledging to remain committed to the aspirations of Kwarans.

Meanwhile, the PDP has faulted the alleged involvement of traditional rulers in what it described as the internal political crisis and succession contest within the ruling All Progressives Congress.

In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, the party expressed concern over reports that some traditional rulers were taken to Abuja by APC leaders in connection with political developments within the ruling party.

The opposition party said many residents had voiced concerns over what it termed the increasing politicisation of traditional institutions in the state.

"It is unfortunate that our once highly respected traditional rulers are now being positioned as political campaign managers for a governor who appears desperate to impose a successor on his party and the people of Kwara State," the statement said.

The PDP argued that traditional rulers derive their authority and respect from their non-partisan status and should not be drawn into political contests.

"These traditional institutions exist to unite, counsel, preserve culture, and promote peace, not to be dragged into partisan political battles. The moment royal fathers are drawn into political contests, the dignity, neutrality, and moral authority of the institution they represent begin to diminish," it stated.

The party lamented that while many communities were grappling with insecurity, unemployment and infrastructure challenges, attention appeared to be shifting towards political succession battles.

"The people of Kwara expected to see royal fathers leading conversations around security, economic development, education, healthcare, and community welfare. They never expected to see them deployed as emissaries in a partisan battle over who becomes the next governorship candidate of APC," the statement added.

The PDP urged traditional rulers to preserve the dignity and neutrality of their offices and resist any attempt to use their influence for partisan political objectives ahead of the 2027 general elections.