The Kwara Progressive Coalition has urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to take seriously the concerns raised by the Kwara State APC Elders Caucus over the governorship primary that produced Speaker Salihu Yakubu Danladi as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
In a statement issued on Monday, the coalition described the elders’ intervention as a significant development that should not be dismissed, stressing that the concerns raised go beyond individual political interests and touch on the credibility of the party’s internal democratic processes.
According to the group, the APC elders represent a body of respected political figures who have spent decades building the party’s structures, promoting progressive ideals and safeguarding the collective interests of both the party and Kwara State.
“The intervention of the elders is significant not merely because of who they are, but because of what they represent,” the statement said.
“These are men and women who have devoted decades of their lives to building political structures, nurturing democratic institutions, supporting progressive causes, and safeguarding the collective interests of our party and state.”
The coalition argued that when such experienced party leaders publicly question the credibility of a process that will shape the future of the APC and determine the state’s political direction, their views deserve careful consideration rather than dismissal.
The group noted that the position of the elders appeared to reflect concerns that many party members across Kwara’s three senatorial districts had quietly expressed in recent weeks.
It said there was growing dissatisfaction among stakeholders over the circumstances surrounding the governorship primary and the manner in which critical decisions affecting the party were allegedly taken.
According to the coalition, many party faithful, grassroots leaders, stakeholders and loyal supporters increasingly feel excluded from decisions that will have far-reaching implications for the future of the APC in the state.
The statement maintained that the controversy surrounding the primary election transcends any individual aspirant or political bloc, insisting that the central issue is the preservation of internal democracy and the long-term electoral prospects of the ruling party.
“The issue before us is bigger than any individual candidate. It is bigger than any political camp. It is fundamentally about the credibility of our internal democratic processes and the future electoral viability of our party,” the coalition stated.
The group recalled that the APC rose to prominence as a progressive political movement built on the principles of inclusion, participation, fairness and internal democracy.
It warned that abandoning those ideals in the pursuit of succession politics could undermine the party’s strength and unity.
The coalition further cautioned that political parties are often weakened not by opposition forces but by unresolved internal grievances, perceived injustices and avoidable divisions.
It said warning signs of discontent were already becoming visible across wards, local government areas and senatorial districts, where many loyal party supporters reportedly feel alienated and unheard.
The statement described such individuals as the foot soldiers and grassroots mobilisers who played critical roles in securing electoral victories for the APC during difficult political periods.
“Their concerns deserve to be heard. Their grievances deserve attention. Their loyalty deserves respect,” the coalition emphasized.
The group said the intervention by the APC Elders Caucus should be viewed as an opportunity for reflection, reconciliation and corrective action rather than confrontation.
According to the coalition, the current situation demands leadership that is willing to listen, consult widely and place the long-term interests of the party above short-term political gains.
Consequently, it called on the APC National Chairman, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Committee (NEC) and other party leaders to carefully examine the issues raised by the elders.
