Kale Kawu’s emergence poses serious threat to our party, Kwara APC elders warn

The Kwara State APC Elders Caucus has warned that the emergence of PDP governorship candidate Kale Kawu has significantly strengthened the opposition and poses a serious challenge to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Addressing a press conference in Ilorin on Monday, the elders expressed concern that the political environment in the state has changed considerably and cautioned against the assumption that the APC can secure victory regardless of the candidate it presents.

The caucus, in the statement read by its chairman, Sir (Dr.) Chief James Bamisaiye Ayenioye, JP, said one of the reasons for its opposition to the emergence of Speaker Salihu Yakubu Danladi as the APC governorship candidate was the growing strength of the opposition and the need for the ruling party to field its strongest possible candidate.

According to the elders, the APC must realistically assess the changing political landscape and the increasing appeal of the opposition among voters.

“We are particularly worried because the opposition has grown significantly stronger in recent times,” the group said.

The elders argued that Danladi does not represent the strongest political option available to the APC at a time when the opposition is becoming increasingly competitive.

They said the party requires a candidate with broad statewide appeal capable of uniting members, attracting undecided voters and matching the growing influence of opposition forces.