Alhaji Iliyasu Ibrahim Moro, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, has expressed regret over his support for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in the 2019 elections. Moro lamented that the Yoruba people in Kwara North, particularly in the Moro Local Government Area, are consistently denied key positions due to their ethnicity.
The Claim of Marginalization
According to Moro, despite the consistent support of the Moro people for the current administration, they are often told that they are from the Yoruba-speaking Ilorin Emirate and therefore cannot contest for vital positions. Moro is calling for fairness and equity ahead of the 2027 elections, urging Kwarans to give Kwara North, particularly the Moro Local Government Area, a fair chance at leadership ¹.
The 2027 Gubernatorial Election
The 2027 gubernatorial election in Kwara State is expected to be highly contested, with several aspirants from Kwara North vying for the APC ticket. Some of the notable aspirants include ²:
- *Engineer Yakub Danladi*: The current Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly
- *Senator Sadiq Umar*: A two-term Senator representing Kwara North
- *Alh Tajudeen Audu*: A prominent APC member from Kwara North
- *Prince Haliru Dantsoho*: A former Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
The Case for Power Rotation
There are growing calls for power rotation in Kwara State, with some stakeholders arguing that it is time for Kwara North to produce the next governor. This argument is based on the fact that Kwara Central has held the governorship seat for 20 years, while Kwara South had it for eight years. APC elders in Kwara Central have appealed to their fellow sons and daughters to honor an agreement to support Kwara North's aspiration for the governorship in 2027 ³ ⁴.
Conclusion
The marginalization of Yoruba people in Kwara North is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. As the 2027 gubernatorial election approaches, it remains to be seen whether Kwara North will finally get its turn at the helm of power. One thing is certain, however: the calls for equity, fairness, and power rotation will continue to gain momentum.
