As permutations over the 2027 governorship race in Kwara State gather momentum, Engr. Femi Sanni (Araba) on Wednesday called for a broad-based, consultative process in selecting a successor to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, while also commending All Progressives Congress, APC leadership for the smooth management of party affairs so far.
Araba made this known after a strategic meeting in Abuja with Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), who has recently declared interest in the governorship race.
Positioning himself within the unfolding political conversation, Araba stressed that the choice of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate must reflect wide consultation and concensus building.
“Only a consultative and inclusive process can produce a leader truly deserving of Kwara.
“This is what we have been doing in APC in Kwara,” he said.
The meeting between the two political figures is already fuelling fresh speculation within Kwara’s political circles about a possible governorship bid by Araba, given his longstanding ties with key stakeholders at both state and national levels.
While he stopped short of declaring his ambition, Araba’s remarks signalled alignment with Issa-Onilu and hinted at a shared political direction ahead of 2027.
“Mallam Issa-Onilu and I are not just friends; we are political soulmates. Our vision for Kwara has always been aligned,” Araba stated.
“Even on the critical decisions ahead in 2027, our thinking remains the same.”
On the contentious issue of ticket allocation within the APC, Araba reiterated that a consultative approach remains the most viable pathway, invoking Governor AbdulRazaq’s earlier stance on neutrality.
“The governor has made it clear from the outset — he has no anointed candidate,” he noted.
“He has also emphasised that the candidate must emerge through broad consultation. That remains the only credible path if we are to sustain and consolidate on the gains recorded so far.”
With political consultations intensifying and subtle alignments emerging, Araba’s intervention adds a new layer to the evolving succession dynamics in Kwara. His careful positioning — without an outright declaration — is likely to keep observers watching closely in the coming days.