Published by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Ilorin, Nigeria — A civil society organisation in Kwara State has issued a strong rebuke against alleged political manoeuvres aimed at coercing traditional rulers in the Kwara South senatorial district to publicly endorse a specific aspirant for the governorship ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group’s statement underscores growing tensions over internal party dynamics and questions around the proper role of cultural institutions in electoral politics as the campaign season accelerates.
The Kwara South Mandate Group, led by Chief Olayemi Afolayan, released a forceful communiqué on Tuesday expressing profound concern over what it described as “disturbing” reports of undue pressure on first‑class monarchs — revered custodians of tradition and community values — to throw their weight behind a gubernatorial aspirant, Hon. Salihu Danladi, who currently serves as Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly. According to the group, these actions undermine the neutrality that traditional rulers have historically maintained and threaten the cultural integrity of the monarchic institution.
In its detailed statement, the Mandate Group emphasised that traditional rulers in Kwara South have long been respected as unifying figures above partisan divisions, embodying cultural heritage and moral authority within their communities. It stressed that attempting to subject them to political pressures to endorse a candidate — particularly through coercion or other undue influence — is not only disrespectful but also erodes the very essence of their role as neutral custodians of peace and unity. The group insisted such tactics could weaken public trust in both democratic processes and cultural institutions if allowed to persist.
Highlighting the absence of similar reports from other parts of the state, the Mandate Group raised questions of fairness and equity. It urged political stakeholders, irrespective of party affiliation or personal ambition, to respect the independence of traditional institutions and refrain from actions that politicise revered cultural offices. The group’s appeal extended to all political actors, calling for leadership contests to be guided by popular will rather than tactical manoeuvres involving traditional leadership.
The controversy comes against a backdrop of an increasingly crowded and competitive lead‑up to Kwara State’s 2027 governorship election. Several aspirants have already declared intentions to contest the All Progressives Congress ticket, and various support groups and coalitions have begun to articulate endorsements. A coalition of APC support groups in Baruten Local Government Area recently backed the Speaker, Salihu Yakubu Danladi, as a preferred candidate, signalling early mobilisation ahead of internal party primaries.
Political analysts suggest that these endorsements reflect wider conversations about internal party zoning, loyalty, and the equitable representation of the state’s three senatorial districts — Kwara North, Central, and South — in the governorship contest. In recent weeks, the APC Elders Caucus in Kwara Central has publicly resisted any move to cede the governorship ticket to Kwara South, arguing that such a decision could disadvantage the ruling party by unsettling support bases in other regions. This stance underscores the complex interplay of local interests shaping the race.
Meanwhile, grassroots political activity is intensifying across Kwara. In Ifelodun Local Government Area, a separate group called “Like Minds” has thrown its weight behind another aspirant, Bashir Bolarinwa, focusing its endorsement on his political track record and past contributions to state politics. Such divergent local endorsements reflect the breadth of opinion and ambition as political actors position themselves for what is anticipated to be a highly contested nomination season.
The Mandate Group’s condemnation also coincides with debates within the state about whether the governorship should be zoned to specific senatorial districts. Traditional rulers themselves have previously met to discuss zoning and political cooperation; in December of last year, leaders from Kwara South and Kwara North convened to discuss support for a northern candidate, illustrating that monarchs have engaged in collective dialogue on political matters — though traditionally as moral voices rather than partisan advocates.
The emphasis on preserving the neutrality of traditional rulers reflects wider concerns about the safeguarding of democratic norms in Nigeria. Monarchs in the country occupy a unique position: while they possess no constitutional political power, they carry significant cultural influence and are widely regarded as symbols of communal stability and unity. When their offices are drawn into political endorsement battles, civic groups warn, the risk of deepening political divides and eroding societal cohesion increases — particularly at a time when the electorate’s trust in institutions is paramount.
The Kwara South Mandate Group’s appeal for restraint is part of a broader civil society push to protect democratic processes from manipulative tactics. By urging respect for cultural boundaries and political neutrality, the group seeks to reinforce a political culture where leadership choice is determined by citizens’ free will rather than through strategic exploitation of traditional structures.
As the 2027 election cycle unfolds, the interplay between political parties, cultural institutions, and grassroots organisations will continue shaping the narrative in Kwara State. How political actors respond to calls for neutrality and respect for tradition could influence public perception and trust in both the electoral process and the preservation of longstanding cultural roles within Nigerian society.
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