Emir of Ilorin offers prayers for APC candidates as party members attend palace Visit
Scores of supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) thronged the Emir’s Palace in Ilorin for a thank-you visit in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the party’s governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event, which witnessed a massive turnout, began with an opening prayer led by Alhaji Dan Maigoro.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Kwara State chapter of the APC said he was mandated by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to formally present the party’s candidates to the Emir and seek royal blessings for their electoral success.
“I was sent by His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to present the candidates for the 2027 general elections and seek your royal blessings,” he said.
“There are no prayers offered sincerely in this sacred house that will not come to pass.”
He explained that the conduct of the party’s primary elections was handled by a delegation from the APC national leadership in Abuja, not the state chapter.
“Those who conduct examinations are the ones who announce the results. That is why we were instructed not to declare any outcomes. After conducting the primaries, the delegates returned to Abuja with the results, which were later communicated to us in Kwara State,” he said.
According to him, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu-Danladi emerged as the APC governorship candidate, while Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was named the party’s candidate for Kwara Central Senatorial District.
Prince Olalekan Adewoye and Dr. Muhammad Mahmud were selected as senatorial candidates for Kwara South and Kwara North, respectively.
He further listed candidates for the House of Representatives, including Hon. Mukhtar Shagaya, Abdulqowiyu Olododo (Ilorin East), Hon. Rafiu Ajakaye (Kwara South), Muhammad Moma (Moro/Edun/Patigi), and Hon. Saidu Baba (Kiama/Baruten), alongside other State House of Assembly candidates.
In his remarks, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, commended the large turnout of supporters and offered prayers for the success of the APC candidates.
“The forecourt of my palace has been filled with your supporters since morning. Is today the voting day or just a familiarisation visit?” the monarch asked.
He added, “I pray that whatever steps taken by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq will be divinely blessed. My blessings are with all APC candidates backed by him.”
The Emir also praised the performance of the governor, urging sincerity in public discourse.
“Whoever sees good and chooses not to say it is insincere. There is no hiding place for the truth. What we are seeing is a reality. The governor has performed well,” he said.
He concluded with prayers for victory, saying, “From Governor AbdulRazaq to all candidates of the party, may God grant you electoral success. May you not be put to shame.”
The visit was held in a joyous atmosphere, with party faithful demonstrating unity and solidarity throughout the engagement at the Emir’s Palace.
