Kwara APC Youth Rejects Governorship Primary Outcome, Demands Justice

The youth forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has rejected the outcome of the party's primary election. This move comes after the APC governorship primary election allegedly left thousands of party faithful deeply disappointed, shocked, and disillusioned.

The youth forum, in a statement by its convener, Comrade Ayuba Bako Marufudeen, said it can't remain silent in the face of injustice, manipulation, and the subversion of democratic principles within the party in Kwara State. According to the statement, what should have been a transparent, credible, and democratic process unfortunately turned into an exercise allegedly characterised by imposition, predetermined arrangements, and the suppression of the genuine will of party members.

“Democracy is built on fairness, participation, transparency, and the collective decision of the people. Democracy won't survive where the voices of the majority are ignored and where political interests are placed above justice and equity.”

The forum said: “As youths who've worked tirelessly for the growth, stability, and electoral successes of the APC across all wards and local governments in Kwara State, we categorically reject the outcome of the governorship primary and refuse to accept the announced candidate as the true reflection of the wishes and aspirations of APC members in the state.”

The youths emphasised that they reject every form of candidate imposition and every arrangement designed to silence the people and deny party members the opportunity to freely choose their preferred candidate. They declared their support for Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari, MFR, who they consider the most acceptable, popular, experienced, and people-oriented aspirant in the race.

Ambassador Yahaya Seriki has over the years built enduring relationships across every part of Kwara State through his humility, generosity, humanitarian interventions, grassroots mobilization, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people. His popularity cuts across political, ethnic, religious, and generational divides.

The APC youth forum is calling on the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress, the Appeal Committee, and all relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene and review the outcome of this governorship primary in the interest of justice, fairness, party unity, and electoral success. They warned that anything short of justice at this critical moment will further divide the party, discourage committed supporters, weaken grassroots structures, and create avoidable political consequences that may ultimately benefit the opposition.

The youths reiterated their commitment to the unity and success of their great party but emphasised that unity can only thrive where justice prevails. They concluded by stating that history will remember the decisions taken at this defining moment and that the APC must decide whether it stands for democracy, fairness, and popular participation, or whether it'll surrender the future of the party to personal interests and political imposition.

The APC youth forum's rejection of the primary outcome highlights the deep-seated issues within the party and the need for the national leadership to address these concerns to prevent further divisions. The party's ability to resolve these issues will be crucial in determining its success in the 2027 general elections.

As the APC navigates this challenging period, it's essential for the party to prioritise the voices and aspirations of its members. The youths' demand for justice and fairness is a reminder that the party's strength lies in the trust and confidence of its members. Once the people lose faith in internal democratic processes, the unity and future of the party become seriously threatened.

The situation in Kwara State's APC is a reflection of the broader challenges facing political parties in Nigeria. The need for transparency, fairness, and accountability in party affairs is essential for building trust and confidence among members. As the 2027 general elections approach, the APC and other parties must prioritise these values to ensure their success and relevance in Nigerian politics.

In the coming days, the APC national leadership will face a critical test of its commitment to democracy and fairness. The party's response to the youths' demands will determine its ability to unite its members and move forward with a strong, credible candidate for the governorship election. The outcome of this situation will have significant implications for the APC's chances in the 2027 elections and its long-term prospects in Kwara State and beyond.

The APC youth forum's bold move has brought attention to the importance of internal party democracy and the need for parties to prioritise the voices and aspirations of their members. As the party navigates this challenging period, it's essential for the national leadership to engage with the youths and other stakeholders to find a resolution that promotes justice, fairness, and unity.

The future of the APC in Kwara State hangs in the balance, and the party's ability to address the concerns of its members will be crucial in determining its success. The youths' rejection of the primary outcome is a wake-up call for the party to re-examine its internal democratic processes and ensure that they're fair, transparent, and accountable to all members.

The APC youth forum's rejection of the governorship primary outcome in Kwara State is a significant development that highlights the need for parties to prioritise internal democracy and fairness. The party's response to this situation will have far-reaching implications for its chances in the 2027 elections and its long-term prospects in Nigerian politics. The APC must take this opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to democracy, fairness, and the principles of justice, and it's crucial that they get it right to avoid further divisions and ensure the party's continued relevance.