The Ilorin Emirate Political Advisory Council has announced its intervention to reconcile Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and Senator Saliu Mustapha, as political tensions threaten unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. The council convened an emergency meeting at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, to address the growing rift between the two prominent leaders.
Background of the Reconciliation Effort
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the council's national coordinator, Dr. Yakub Yahaya Oloriegbe, emphasized that both Governor Abdulrazaq and Senator Mustapha are regarded as leading figures of the Ilorin Emirate. He stated that the council is building on earlier mediation efforts led by traditional and religious leaders, including the late Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate, Dr. Muhammad Bashir Solihu.
Oloriegbe noted that the previous peace initiative involved a wide range of respected community figures, such as Islamic scholars Sheikh Habeeb Abdullahi Al-Ilory and Sheikh Abdulkadir Kamaldeen Al-Adaby, former Secretary to the Kwara State Government Alhaji Sheu Gafar, and the National President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, ACG Abdulmumini Abdulmalik (Rtd).
Warnings Over Political Consequences
The council's secretary, Lt. Col. Abubakar Edun (Rtd), warned that continued tension between the two politicians could have severe repercussions for the Ilorin Emirate. He stated that the disagreement has already affected access to federal projects and political appointments, costing the region several multi-billion naira opportunities.
Edun stressed that if decisive steps are not taken, the Ilorin Emirate will continue to bear the consequences, particularly in the forthcoming elections. He urged both leaders to prioritize unity for the greater good of the community.
Inspection of Pavilion Project
Following the meeting, council members inspected the ongoing pavilion project at the forecourt of the Emir's palace. They commended the Kwara State Government for the quality of work being done at the site, highlighting the importance of such infrastructure for the community.
Senator Mustapha's Governorship Ambition
In a related development, Senator Saliu Mustapha has officially joined the race for the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State. He submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The lawmaker, who currently represents Kwara Central Senatorial District, described the submission as a key milestone in his political ambition to govern the state.
Stakeholders continue to push for reconciliation between Governor Abdulrazaq and Senator Mustapha, with the Ilorin Emirate Political Advisory Council playing a central role in mediating the dispute. The outcome of these efforts is expected to shape the political landscape of Kwara State ahead of the 2027 elections.
