From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
In a notable political twist ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Kwara State, two serving senators, Oyelola Ashiru of Kwara South and Sadiq Suleiman Umar of Kwara North, have stepped back from earlier governorship ambitions and instead entered the race for a third term in the Senate.
Both lawmakers, currently serving their second term in the National Assembly, had only weeks ago publicly declared interest in succeeding Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in 2027. Their sudden return to the senatorial contest has now reshaped early political calculations within the party’s state structure.
Party insiders say the decision reflects shifting realities within the APC’s internal power dynamics, as well as concerns over the strength of support for their gubernatorial bids.
A source familiar with developments within the party described the move as “a strategic recalibration rather than a retreat.”
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“The politics of governorship is highly competitive and unpredictable. Many factors are at play, and the senators have chosen to consolidate where their chances are clearer,” the source said.
Senator Sadiq Umar had earlier positioned himself as a leading advocate for the Kwara North governorship agitation, a regional demand pushing for power rotation within the state. His supporters had argued that zoning the governorship to the North would give him a strong advantage.
Similarly, Senator Ashiru was believed to be banking on his experience and influence in the National Assembly, particularly his profile as a principal officer, to secure the APC ticket for the governorship race.
However, emerging consensus within political circles suggests that the senatorial path appears more certain for both men, especially as consultations intensify ahead of the primaries.
Confirming their new political direction, party sources disclosed that Senator Ashiru, has already obtained his APC senatorial nomination form with receipt number 009010 and serial number 0000255.
In Kwara South, other aspirants who have also picked forms include Onijala John, Oluwasola Ajimati, and Muritala Anolola.
For Kwara North, Senator Sadiq Umar’s nomination form reportedly bears receipt number 008155 and serial number 0000290.
Other contenders in the district include Mohammed Abubakar, Attahiru Adamu, Taoheed Toyin, and Kareem Mohammed.
The Kwara APC Elder Caucus had recently thrown its weight behind Senator Umar’s continued representation in the Senate, urging party leadership to consider continuity and experience in the primaries.
Speaking at a recent engagement, a caucus representative said, “We believe continuity is key. Senator Umar has represented Kwara North effectively, and his return to the Senate would ensure stability and sustained development.”
While the APC has yet to formally conduct its primaries, the unfolding developments signal early realignments within the party as aspirants recalibrate strategies in anticipation of a highly competitive electoral cycle.
For now, what began as a bold push for the state’s top political office has, for both senators, returned to familiar territory — the race to retain their seats in the National Assembly.
