From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Thousands of leaders, candidates and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, staged a massive “Thank You” rally in Ilorin, to celebrate the successful conduct of the party’s primary elections and reaffirm support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the APC governorship candidate, Engr. Yakubu Danladi Salihu, and other party candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tagged the Kwara Ndupe Rally, the event witnessed party supporters marching through major roads in the Ilorin metropolis. Participants displayed party colours, banners and campaign materials in solidarity with the APC and its candidates.
Speaking during the rally, the Leader of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Barr. Oba Abdulkadri, expressed delight at the massive turnout, describing it as a reflection of the unity and strength of the party.
He expressed confidence in the APC’s prospects in the state, saying the party remains firmly positioned to retain power.
Related News
Responding to questions about the opposition, Abdulkadri said the ruling party had no reason to fear its rivals in a democratic contest.
“We are not afraid. We will continue to remain united and work together for the progress of the party and the state,” he said.
Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Governor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salau, urged party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation through issue-based campaigns and door-to-door engagement, stressing that the rally should translate into electoral success.
“This rally must translate to PVC collection, voter registration and polling-unit victory in February 2027. There must not be complacency,” he said.
According to him, the APC would campaign based on its performance in government.
“We will campaign on record, not insults, because our party has achievements in road construction, education, healthcare and prompt payment of salaries to present to Kwarans. The opposition has nothing,” Salau said.
The APC State Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, expressed satisfaction with the impressive turnout and said it reflected the growing popularity of the party ahead of the next general elections.
“With what I have seen here, it is good to say that all our candidates are in. More people are still coming to join our party,” he said through the Deputy State Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Samari.
He also appealed to aggrieved party members to remain patient, assuring them that the leadership was committed to resolving all grievances.
Kwara State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Alhaji Abdulateef Alakawa, described the rally as a demonstration of unity and appreciation following the successful conduct of the APC primary elections.
He said the event was organised to thank God and the party leadership for conducting peaceful primaries that reflected the wishes of members.
According to him, the emergence of candidates through the direct primary process demonstrated that the people had spoken.
He added that the APC had already commenced reconciliation efforts to unite members after the primaries.
“In every democratic process, there will be winners and others who may not emerge. As far as the APC is concerned, we have no losers. The party has already constituted a reconciliation committee, and we are confident all issues will be resolved,” he said.
Also speaking, the APC candidate for Kwara North Senatorial District, Dr Ahmad Umar Muhammad, thanked party members and the people of Kwara North for the confidence reposed in him during the primaries.
He also appreciated President Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq for their leadership, particularly the decision to zone the governorship ticket to Kwara North, describing it as a demonstration of fairness and inclusiveness.
“We appreciate the people of Kwara State for giving Kwara North the opportunity to produce the next governor. Today’s rally demonstrates the confidence and support the people have for the leadership of Governor AbdulRazaq and the APC,” he said.
Muhammad expressed optimism that the APC would secure another victory in the 2027 general elections.
“We are confident of victory. APC has continued to enjoy the support of the people, and we believe that will be sustained,” he added.
The APC candidate for Kwara South Senatorial District, Prince Olalekan Adewoye, also thanked party leaders and members for the confidence reposed in him.
He described the APC as one united family, saying the outcome of the primaries reflected the collective decision of party members.
In his remarks, the APC candidate for Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, Dr Rafiu Ajakaye, described the large turnout at the rally as proof of the party’s widespread acceptance across the state.
