From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The lingering crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Kwara State, has taken a fresh turn, with the party reportedly considering disciplinary measures, including suspension, against some prominent chieftains over alleged anti-party activities, opposition to its candidates and suspected political collaboration with opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Those reportedly facing possible disciplinary action include former Senator representing Kwara Central, Dr Ibrahim Oloriegbe; Ambassador Abdulfatai Seriki Gambari; former governorship aspirant, Chief Dele Belgore, SAN; and Senator Oyelola Ashiru, who represents Kwara South Senatorial District.
The development comes amid growing tension and internal disagreements within the ruling party over the outcome of its governorship primary, which produced the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, as its candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
Beyond the disagreements over the governorship ticket, concerns are reportedly mounting within the APC, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, over the party’s cohesion and electoral preparedness as the 2027 elections approach.
Related News
The growing political activities and expanding influence of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), across the state have also heightened concerns among APC stakeholders about the ruling party’s electoral prospects.
The party is said to be examining the activities of some influential members who, despite retaining their APC membership, are allegedly involved in actions considered capable of undermining its candidates and political interests.
Particular attention has reportedly been drawn to The O’To Ge Progressives (TOP), a political coalition that emerged from the G15 group of aggrieved APC aspirants and other party stakeholders following disagreements over internal party arrangements and the governorship succession process.
Other prominent APC figures associated with the wider coalition and its activities include Senator Sadiq Umar, representing Kwara North; former Kwara APC Chairman, Dr Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa; businessman and political figure, Lukman Mustapha; former Senator Suleiman Makanjuola Ajadi; and businessman Sheriff Shagaya.
The activities of some members of the group, particularly their positions on the party’s candidates and political direction, are reportedly attracting attention within the APC leadership, amid concerns that the disagreements could further deepen divisions ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The party is said to be weighing its disciplinary options, including suspension of members found to have breached its constitution or engaged in activities considered detrimental to its electoral interests.
The APC constitution provides mechanisms for addressing grievances and resolving internal disputes. Stakeholders are therefore urging the party leadership to ensure that all complaints are addressed through recognised internal channels while members are encouraged to abide by the party’s rules and decisions.
The ruling party is under pressure to prevent personal political ambitions and disagreements over elective tickets from weakening its structures at a time when the PDP is intensifying its political engagement and consolidating its presence across Kwara State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party loyalists maintain that loyalty must be demonstrated through actions and not merely by retaining APC membership cards, insisting that the collective interest of the party should take precedence over individual political ambitions.
