ILORIN, Kwara State – The Aro Meta Development Association has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the choice of its gubernatorial candidate from Kwara Central, saying the decision undermines other senatorial districts and could negatively affect the party’s performance in the 2027 general elections.
In a press statement received by _Veritas News Hub_ and signed by the association’s Chairman, Evangelist Sunday Ajileye, the group described the move as a disregard for equity and political balance in Kwara State.
The association was reacting to reports that the incumbent governor from Kwara Central, who has served two terms, is backing a successor from the same zone. Aro Meta said the development ignored contributions from Kwara South and Kwara North and risked alienating party members and voters across those districts.
“The choice of candidacy undermines other senatorial districts across Kwara State despite their contributions to the growth and development of Kwara State,” the statement read. “His candidate is not accepted by all and it is against the rule of equality and that can hinder progress of our dear Kwara State.”
Call for Zoning Balance
Aro Meta, a socio-political group focused on equitable development in Kwara, insisted that the next governor should emerge from either Kwara South or Kwara North to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
“Hence, the association insists the next Governor must come from Kwara South or Kwara North to balance the odds and satisfy the masses,” Ajileye stated.
The group argued that rotating the governorship among the three senatorial districts was necessary to maintain trust between the party and its grassroots base. It noted that Kwara South and Kwara North had consistently supported the APC and deserved fair representation in the state’s top political office.
The association warned that sidelining other zones could weaken the APC’s cohesion and give the opposition an opening ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We urge the National and State levels of All Progressives Congress to ensure that the decision doesn’t split the partymen and loyalists,” the statement said. “The opposition may take advantage of this sole decision to destabilize the party at this critical time.”
Warning Against Party Fragmentation
The association said perceptions of imposition and exclusion could fracture the APC in Kwara, especially at a time when the party should be consolidating its base. It urged party leaders at both state and national levels to intervene and uphold internal democracy.
According to Aro Meta, fairness in candidate selection was not just a political demand but a requirement for stability and progress in Kwara State.
“The press statement urges equality. They also warn that opposition may take advantage of this sole decision to destabilize the party at this critical time,” Ajileye said. “The Association says it is only equality that can foster peace, growth and progress.”
Political analysts in Ilorin say zoning has been a recurring issue in Kwara politics, with each senatorial district seeking a sense of inclusion in the state’s power structure. The APC won the governorship and all three senatorial seats in 2019 and retained them in 2023 under the “O To Ge” movement, largely on a platform of breaking political monopoly and promoting equity.
The APC gubernatorial primaries are scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026. Several aspirants from Kwara South, Kwara North, and Kwara Central have indicated interest in contesting the ticket.
Stakeholders say how the party manages the primaries will be critical to its chances of retaining Kwara in 2027, particularly in a North Central zone where voter sentiment remains fluid.
Appeal for Unity and Fair Play
Aro Meta concluded by appealing to APC leaders to prioritize unity and avoid decisions that could alienate sections of the state. It said the party’s strength lay in its ability to accommodate diverse interests and reward loyalty across all zones.
“The association is not against any individual, but we are for justice, equity, and the future of Kwara State,” the statement said. “Only a balanced approach can guarantee peace, growth, and progress for our people.”
The group said it would continue to engage party stakeholders and mobilize citizens to demand fair representation in the governance of Kwara State.
_Veritas News Hub will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more reactions emerge from APC stakeholders and aspirants across Kwara State.
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