The National Orientation Agency's (NOA) Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, is making his bid for the governorship seat in Kwara State for the upcoming 2027 elections under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This revelation emerged after an electronic campaign flyer circulated on social media, showing Mr. Issa-Onilu's image and promoting his aspiration for the governorship race.
The flyer featured the slogan "Kwara n re 'waju" along with the phrase "Lanre Issa-Onilu for Kwara State Governor 2027," with the former APC National Publicity Secretary depicted in traditional garb.
According to sources aware of the political climate in Kwara, Issa-Onilu has been engaging in discussions with leading stakeholders and party officials regarding his candidacy.
When reached for confirmation about the authenticity of the campaign material on Sunday, Mr. Issa-Onilu affirmed its legitimacy with a simple response.
"Yes. It is," he stated when queried about the flyer circulating on social platforms.
This development has sparked discussions within Kwara's political environment, as several members of the ruling party are believed to be contemplating their own gubernatorial ambitions.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq recently noted that at least six individuals from the APC have expressed interest in succeeding him when his second term concludes in May 2027.
During a party congress held in Ilorin, Mr. AbdulRazaq mentioned that the party already has numerous hopefuls competing for the candidacy, yet he emphasized he has not designated a preferred candidate.
Notable figures who have publicly declared their intentions include senators Lola Ashiru and Umar Suleiman, representing Kwara South and North districts, respectively, alongside Yahaya Seriki.
There are additional APC members reportedly eyeing the governorship, who have not formally announced their intentions, including Senator Saliu Mustapha from Kwara Central and Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly.
The governor has, however, rejected rumors claiming he plans to endorse or favor a particular successor, insisting that the APC will hold a transparent and merit-based primary.
He also addressed speculative claims about his potential support for a candidate from the Kwara North district, stating, "For those who will contest and whoever eventually emerges, it is not about anyone anointing anybody."
"We are not here to build a dynasty; we aim to create a legacy. Whoever takes over will enhance this foundation and strive for better results," he added.
While he did not directly engage in the discussion about zonal arrangements, his comments were interpreted as a reaction to ongoing succession debates, particularly those advocating for power-sharing among the three senatorial districts.
Mr. AbdulRazaq reiterated that the process to identify his successor would be carried out democratically within the party, urging candidates to promote unity and healthy rivalry as the primaries approach.
Political analysts believe that the surfacing of Issa-Onilu’s campaign materials has broadened the pool of contenders within the ruling APC party as the political scene heats up ahead of the 2027 elections.
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