By: Tunji Okunlola
The Ilorin Emirate Political Advisory Council (IEPAC) has restated its endorsement of Senator Saliu Mustapha as its preferred candidate for the 2027 Kwara State governorship election, describing his ambition as a collective project of the emirate.
The council also renewed its backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid, declaring him the emirate’s preferred presidential candidate for the next general elections.
The positions were announced at a press conference in Ilorin, where the council’s National Coordinator, Dr Yakub Yahaya Oloriegbe, and National Secretary, Lt Col. Abubakar Edun (Rtd), said the endorsements followed extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
“The aspiration of Senator Saliu Mustapha has become a collective project of the Ilorin Emirate, and we remain committed to its actualisation,” the council said.
The group urged Mustapha who currently represents Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly to pursue all legitimate political avenues in realising his governorship ambition. It described him as a politician with broad acceptability, proven leadership ability and the statewide appeal required to secure electoral victory and govern effectively.
“Senator Saliu Mustapha has demonstrated the qualities of a leader with the capacity to unite the people, win elections and govern Kwara State justly, fairly and competently,” the statement read.
On the presidency, IEPAC pointed to what it described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration and the benefits accruing to Kwara Central under his leadership as the basis for its continued support.
“We unanimously endorse the aspiration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office and believe he deserves another four years to consolidate the achievements recorded by his administration,” the council stated.
IEPAC is widely regarded as one of the most influential socio-political organisations in Kwara Central Senatorial District. The council said it would continue to support political arrangements and candidates capable of advancing the interests of the district within the state’s broader political framework.
The latest declaration comes months after the council first publicly endorsed both Tinubu and Mustapha for their respective offices. With political parties and aspirants intensifying consultations ahead of the 2027 cycle, the endorsement is expected to shape political calculations in Kwara State, where alliances and early positioning are already beginning to define the conversation around succession and governance.
Tags: #APC #Bola Tinubu #Kwara 2027 #Saliu Mustapha