Kwara North APC Accuses Politicians of Neglecting Insecurity for Zoning

The Kwara North Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has issued a call to action for political hopefuls from the region, urging them to redirect their focus towards tackling the escalating insecurity plaguing the area. The caucus stated that instead of concentrating solely on the zoning of the governorship position to Kwara North for the 2027 general elections, leaders should prioritize addressing the pressing security challenges that are impacting communities across the region.

During a press briefing in Ilorin on Wednesday, the group, led by Hon. Benjamin Ezekiel Yisa, expressed dismay that some desperate political leaders from Kwara North appear more preoccupied with the governorship zoning debate than with the deteriorating security situation. Yisa, a former speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, criticized a recent rally in Ilorin organized by governorship aspirants from the district.

The caucus took the opportunity to reaffirm their backing for President Bola Tinubu's re-election and expressed support for Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa's gubernatorial aspirations in the 2027 elections.

"It is deeply regrettable that while pursuing political power is our democratic right, the same level of concerted effort and urgency has not been applied to resolve the worsening security situation in Kwara North," Yisa stated.

He elaborated on the severe impact of insecurity, noting, "Insecurity has afflicted the region for over three years. Our people have been living in constant fear. Kwara North has endured continuous attacks from dangerous terrorists and bandits, leading to fatalities, numerous abductions for substantial ransoms, and forcing our residents to seek refuge in neighboring villages and communities."

"Despite this grave situation, there has been a noticeable lack of coordinated action and vocal advocacy from ambitious political leaders demanding governmental attention to decisively combat this menace that is devastating our populace. Instead, these individuals organized a large rally to push for the governorship seat to be shifted to Kwara North."

"It is in light of these circumstances that this press conference is being held to endorse Hon. Bolarinwa, who we believe is a caring, capable leader with significant leadership experience and qualities," Yisa added.

Earlier, the caucus's Coordinator, Luqman Musa, distanced the group from recent press statements and rallies by certain individuals who claim to represent the region's support for a Kwara North governorship candidate. Musa emphasized, "While we firmly support the legitimate aspiration to have a governorship candidate from Kwara North, we strongly assert that such an ambition must not compromise competence, independence, and the genuine capacity to foster meaningful development."

He concluded by stating that the primary objective of governance is not merely to install a governor based on origin, but to provide purposeful leadership that will advance the region and the entire state.