The Ilorin Emirate Political Advisory Council (IEPAC) has reaffirmed its endorsement of Senator Saliu Mustapha as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State.
The council also renewed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office, describing him as the preferred presidential candidate of the Ilorin Emirate ahead of the next general elections.
The position was announced during a press conference held in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, where leaders of the influential socio-political body reiterated their commitment to the political aspirations of both men.
Speaking on behalf of the council, National Coordinator, Dr Yakub Yahaya Oloriegbe, alongside the National Secretary, Lt Col. Abubakar Edun (Rtd), said Senator Mustapha’s governorship ambition had evolved into a collective project of the Ilorin Emirate.
According to the council, its support followed extensive consultations and a careful assessment of political developments ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
The group subsequently urged the senator, who currently represents Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, to explore all legitimate political avenues in pursuit of his governorship aspiration.
“The aspiration of Senator Saliu Mustapha has become a collective project of the Ilorin Emirate, and we remain committed to its actualisation,” the council stated.
The latest declaration comes months after the council first publicly endorsed President Tinubu and Senator Mustapha as its preferred candidates for the presidency and governorship, respectively.
IEPAC, widely regarded as one of the most influential socio-political organisations in Kwara Central Senatorial District, said it would continue to support political arrangements and candidates capable of protecting and advancing the interests of the district within the state’s political framework.
Explaining its support for President Tinubu, the council pointed to what it described as the achievements of the current administration and the perceived benefits accruing to Kwara Central under his leadership.
“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 on the achievements recorded by his administration,” the council said.
On the governorship race, IEPAC described Senator Mustapha as a politician with broad acceptability, proven leadership ability and considerable political experience.
The council expressed confidence that the lawmaker possesses the competence and statewide appeal required not only to secure electoral victory but also to provide effective leadership for Kwara State.
“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 added.
The endorsement is expected to influence political calculations within Kwara State as political parties, aspirants and stakeholders intensify consultations and strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.
Although the election remains more than a year away, the latest declaration underscores the early manoeuvring already taking place within the state’s political landscape, where alliances and endorsements are beginning to shape conversations around succession and representation.
As political activities gather momentum, attention will increasingly focus on how major political actors and interest groups align themselves in the build-up to what is expected to be a closely watched electoral cycle in Kwara State.
