Kwara Youth Groups Applaud Speaker as APC Governorship Candidate

Youth groups in Kwara State are excited about the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, becoming the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for the 2027 election. They believe his rise has changed the political scene in the state.

The groups shared their views in a statement released on Sunday. The Kwara North Integrity Youth Forum, Ilorin Emirate Dynamic Youths, and Kwara South Young Professionals in Politics all signed the statement. The coordinators, Aliyu Likofu, Abdulwaheed Olamilekan, and Owoduni Adekunle, represented their groups.

They pointed out that Danladi, who is 41 years old, has a background in student politics and campaign organization. He was elected to the State House of Assembly in 2019, and they believe his age should not be the only focus.

"Yakubu Salihu Danladi’s age is just one part of the story. He started his political journey in student politics and later moved into campaign organization before joining the State House of Assembly in 2019," said Likofu, the KNIYF coordinator.

Likofu highlighted that Danladi became Speaker of the Ninth Assembly when he was only 34. He was re-elected in 2023 and kept the speakership position. "His candidacy is significant because he is not new to politics," he added.

The coordinator emphasized that Danladi’s time in political organization, constituency representation, and legislative leadership has given him valuable experience, even though he is relatively young.

Olamilekan, the IEDY coordinator, also noted that Danladi’s rise shows a shift in the political landscape since the 2019 elections. "The 2019 election changed the political scene that was tied to the Saraki era and brought AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the APC into power," he explained.

He mentioned that this shift opened more doors for younger politicians to get involved in government and political roles. "Seven years later, the political scene is changing again, with Danladi representing a generation that has gained experience and is ready to lead," he said.

Olamilekan pointed out that the AbdulRazaq administration has encouraged youth involvement in governance through various appointments. He believes Danladi’s candidacy is a chance for younger leaders to aim for the highest political office in the state.

Adekunle, the KSYPIP coordinator, stated that the 2027 election gives Danladi a platform to support the APC’s achievements while also building his own political brand. He will compete against the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, and the African Democratic Congress candidate, former federal lawmaker Zakari Mohammed.

"Danladi’s challenge goes beyond just party labels. He must defend the APC’s record, continue the political legacy of the AbdulRazaq administration, and create his own identity," Adekunle explained.

He highlighted that Danladi’s legislative experience has prepared him for governance, lawmaking, and political negotiation, which are vital for leading the state. The groups believe Danladi’s youthful image should be viewed alongside his political experience.

They stated that his journey from student politics and campaign organization to constituency representation and leading the State House of Assembly shows he has taken on various political responsibilities.

The groups added that the 2027 election will allow voters to evaluate the candidates' records, plans, and ability to govern. Arewa PUNCH reports that as the campaign for the governorship election kicks off on September 9, the focus will shift to the candidates' plans and their ability to rally support across the three senatorial districts.

The governorship election is set for February 6, 2027.