Garin-Alimi ambassadors advocate ‘Ilorin First’ ahead of 2027 governorship race
The Garin-Alimi Ambassadors have called on political stakeholders across Kwara State to ensure that the next Governor in 2027 emerges from the Ilorin Emirate (Kwara Central), stressing the need for continuity, inclusivity, and sustained development.
The group made the call on Friday at a press conference held at the NUJ Hall in Ilorin.
They said their position is driven by the need to sustain unity, stability, and balanced governance across the state.
The Ambassadors urged leaders of all political parties to rise above narrow interests and show statesmanship ahead of the 2027 elections. They noted that decisions taken at this period must reflect a strong commitment to preserving peace and the developmental progress recorded in Kwara State over the years.
“Our position is clear and unequivocal: the next Governor of Kwara State should be picked from Ilorin Emirate, irrespective of the current occupancy of the office by an Ilorin indigene,” the group said.
They maintained that the call is neither parochial nor an attempt at dominance, but one rooted in a verifiable history of inclusive leadership demonstrated by past administrations from Ilorin.
According to the group, Ilorin indigenes who have held the governorship have governed beyond ethnic and regional lines, ensuring fair distribution of infrastructure and development projects across Kwara North and Kwara South.
They added that governance under Ilorin leadership has consistently prioritised balance over bias, with deliberate efforts to ensure that all parts of the state benefit from government policies and programmes.
The Ambassadors, however, reassured stakeholders from Kwara North and Kwara South that the advocacy for an Ilorin governor in 2027 should not be seen as marginalisation.
Rather, they described it as a strategic move to sustain a governance culture they believe has been equitable and beneficial to all regions.
While acknowledging the legitimacy of political aspirations from all zones, the group cautioned against divisive narratives that could undermine unity in the state.
They stressed that political power should not be seen as a tool for retaliation, but as a responsibility to serve all citizens without prejudice.
The group also called on all gubernatorial aspirants from Ilorin Emirate, across political parties, to harmonise their ambitions and work towards a consensus candidate.
According to them, such a move would reflect political maturity, promote stability, and strengthen inclusive governance.
The Ambassadors further appealed to Ilorin youths to remain united and avoid divisive rhetoric, urging them to embrace a collective vision built on peace, discipline, and progress.
They also called on Islamic scholars (Ulamah) to intensify prayers for continued peace, unity, and development of both Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State, while promoting harmony and mutual respect among citizens.
Describing the moment as critical in the political history of Kwara State, the group reaffirmed its commitment to advocating a path that guarantees fairness, inclusivity, and sustainable development for all Kwarans.
