By Oyindamola Amuda
The Edu Local Government Area chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has openly criticized the Kwara State APC leadership, accusing it of neglecting internal democracy, party cohesion, and equitable resource distribution.
This strong rebuke came in a communiqué issued after the maiden meeting of the Edu APC Liberation Elders Consultative Meeting held on Sunday, November 10, 2024, in Tsaragi, Edu LGA.
The communiqué, co-signed by the group’s chairman, Mohammad Mariam Al-Hassan and Secretary, Abubakar Zubairu Shonga extensively outlined grievances and resolutions, called for fairness in resource allocation, support for Kwara North’s governorship bid in 2027, and adherence to party principles.
The Edu APC Elders expressed dissatisfaction with the state party leadership, stating: “We recognise His Excellency, Mall. Abdulrasaq Abdulrahman CON, as our Party Leader in the State. However, we regrettably, soon after, came to the realisation that the Party Leadership in the State is unconcerned with Party cohesion, internal party democracy, or the overall well-being of the party faithfuls. Rather, they prefer their personal settlements irrespective of the ensuing consequences it may have on the party.”
They described this approach as “hostile and damaging to the fortunes of our party and the good people of our beloved State.”
The group firmly advocated for Kwara North to be prioritized for the APC governorship ticket in 2027. They argued that the region has consistently supported the Central and South senatorial districts in achieving governorship positions since 1999.
“Without prejudice to none, the party should follow the zoning and rotation policy for party and public election offices in accordance with the principles of equity, justice, and fairness. Therefore, Kwara North ought to automatically be given the right of first refusal for the 2027 governor’s ticket,” the communiqué read.
They appealed to Kwarans from other senatorial districts for support, stating: “In order to achieve and maintain the intended goal and aim of ongoing mutual advantages and peaceful coexistence we’ve enjoyed in Kwara State, we are appealing for the understanding, cooperation, and support of Kwarans from other senatorial districts about Kwara North project 2027.”
The communiqué also criticized the lopsided distribution of state resources, appointments, and infrastructure.
“The current uneven, skewed, and concentrated social amenities, appointments, and empowerments are generally not representative nor reflective,”* the group noted.
The group also demanded a fair share of resources to curb rural-urban migration, unemployment, and poverty in Kwara North, adding: “The votes that brought the current administration to power were a collective mandate. This is neither reflective, nor representative of the current lopsided, skewed, and concentrated pattern of appointments.”
The elders also welcomed the autonomy granted to local governments by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, urging citizens to hold local officers accountable.
“Given the autonomy granted to local governments by the President Tinubu-led administration, we have high expectations for significant development and progress in our communities. We therefore implored our citizens to maintain oversight and keep administrative officers legally accountable,”* the communiqué stated.
The communiqué highlights growing discontent within the Kwara APC and raises questions about the party’s ability to maintain unity ahead of the 2027 elections. The Edu APC Liberation Elders’ demands for zoning, equity, and fair resource distribution could significantly influence political dynamics in the state.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, all eyes will be on the state party leadership to see whether it addresses these grievances or risks alienating key stakeholders within the party.
