Yakubu Danladi-Salihu wins Kwara APC governorship primary after defeating major rivals in a closely watched contest ahead of 2027 elections.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has concluded its governorship primary election with the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, emerging as the party’s flagbearer ahead of the next governorship election.
The outcome of the highly anticipated Kwara APC Primary was officially announced on Friday by Senator Musliu Obanikoro, who chaired the APC Supervisory Committee assigned to oversee the exercise.
According to the committee, Danladi-Salihu secured a total of 94,990 votes to defeat eight other aspirants who contested for the party’s ticket.
The Speaker recorded a commanding lead over his closest rivals, further confirming the broad support he enjoyed across the three senatorial districts in the state.
Ambassador Yahaya Seriki finished second after polling 41,700 votes, while former APC state chairman, Dr. Bashir Bolarinwa, garnered 22,118 votes during the exercise.
Party stakeholders described the APC Governorship Primary as one of the most widely participated internal elections conducted by the ruling party in recent years.
Reports from various parts of the state indicated that APC members turned out massively to cast their votes and openly support their preferred candidates.
From Kwara Central to Kwara North and Kwara South, supporters of Danladi-Salihu were seen celebrating the Speaker’s growing popularity as results continued to emerge from different local government areas.
Political observers noted that the Speaker maintained a comfortable lead throughout the process, especially in areas believed to be traditional APC strongholds.
In Ilorin West and Ilorin East local government areas, several communities reportedly delivered overwhelming votes in favour of the Speaker.
Areas such as Alanamu, Ajikobi, Adewole, Ojuekun, Ibagun, and Gambari recorded impressive support for the lawmaker, with many supporters displaying his posters and campaign materials during the primary election.
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The Kwara APC Primary also reflected strong backing for Danladi-Salihu in Kwara North, where all five local government areas reportedly gave him more than 90 per cent of their votes.
Political analysts believe the outcome further demonstrates the influence of the Speaker within the party structure across the northern axis of the state.
In Kwara South, the APC candidate also enjoyed significant support from delegates and party members. Local government areas including Offa, Oyun, Irepodun, Ekiti, Isin, Oke-Ero, and Ifelodun reportedly voted heavily in favour of the Speaker, strengthening his position as the leading contender in the APC Governorship Primary.
Before the election, some influential party figures and aspirants had openly aligned with Danladi-Salihu following his endorsement by top APC stakeholders in the state.
Ambassador Yahaya Seriki, one of the major contenders in the race, had earlier mobilised support for the Speaker, a move many political observers interpreted as a sign of party unity ahead of the primary election.
The emergence of Danladi-Salihu is expected to reshape the political landscape in the Kwara Governorship Race as the APC prepares for the main election.
Analysts believe the Speaker’s victory may strengthen the ruling party’s chances due to his existing relationship with grassroots supporters and party leaders across the state.
Meanwhile, Senator Musliu Obanikoro commended party members for maintaining order during the exercise and praised the peaceful conduct of delegates and officials throughout the voting process.
He stated that the committee remained committed to transparency and fairness while supervising the election.
Other aspirants who participated in the APC Governorship Primary recorded lower vote totals.
Engr. Femi Sani polled 5,519 votes, while Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe secured 3,920 votes. Former governorship aspirant Dele Belgore received 3,411 votes, while Prof. Wale Suleiman recorded 2,434 votes.
Prof. Abubakar Suleiman secured 1,722 votes, Mohamed Bio polled 1,122 votes, and Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin finished with 1,099 votes.
With the completion of the Kwara APC Primary, attention is now expected to shift toward preparations for the general election, where political parties will intensify consultations, coalition-building, and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the governorship contest.
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