Kwara 2027: Dantsoho steps down at declaration event, endorses Yahya Seriki
frontline governorship aspirant from Kwara North, Prince Haliru Dantsoho Mahmud, the Dan’iyan Kaiama, has withdrawn from the 2027 gubernatorial race, declaring support for Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari.
Dantsoho announced his decision on Tuesday during an event that was meant to serve as his official declaration of ambition, saying the move followed extensive consultations and was aimed at prioritising unity and collective progress across the state.
He described Seriki, an aspirant from Kwara Central Senatorial District, as a “unifier” capable of bridging divides and leading Kwara at a critical time in its political journey.
The Kwara North politician acknowledged the long-standing agitation for a governor from the district, noting that the zone has remained a consistent supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) since 1999 without producing a governor.
While reaffirming his commitment to the Kwara North agenda, Dantsoho said the current political climate requires a leader with the capacity to unite the three senatorial districts.
“My decision is not a retreat, it is a rallying call. It is not weakness, it is wisdom,” he said.
Throwing his weight behind Seriki, Dantsoho cited his loyalty to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda as key factors behind his endorsement.
He also referenced Seriki’s philanthropic interventions, including a N15 million donation to support a kidney patient in Kaiama, as evidence of his connection to the grassroots and concern for the welfare of the people.
According to him, Seriki’s track record in job creation and community development distinguishes him among other aspirants and positions him as a candidate capable of fostering unity and inclusive growth.
“Ambassador Seriki is one of us, and I believe that one of us is better than none of us,” he added.
Addressing concerns from his supporters, Dantsoho maintained that his withdrawal does not amount to abandoning the Kwara North cause, stressing that the district’s opportunity to produce a governor is “deferred, not denied.”
He urged stakeholders across the state to rally behind a common front, noting that a united APC would be better positioned to deliver development across all regions.
Dantsoho also commended President Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq and security authorities for their response to recent security challenges in the state, including the Woro incident, while calling for intensified efforts to secure the release of abducted victims.
