Kwara 2027 is already taking shape within the strategic thinking of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and for those who understand both the history and the trajectory of our politics in Kwara State, the conversation is no longer abstract. It is about continuity, capacity, and credibility. It is about who can be trusted to consolidate the gains painstakingly built under the leadership of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq while also expanding the frontiers of development. In that regard, Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari, MFR – fondly called Amba – stands out as a compelling and strategic choice.
History is often the most objective judge of political relevance. The ‘O To Ge’ Revolution was not an accident; it was the outcome of deliberate organisation, grassroots mobilisation, and courageous leadership. Ambassador Yahaya Seriki Gambari played a pivotal role in that defining moment as Director General of the APC Campaign Council in 2019. His ability to galvanise support across communities, energise the grassroots, and build consensus contributed significantly to the electoral victory that reset Kwara’s political direction. That same competence was brought to bear again in 2023, when he led the campaign machinery that secured a renewed mandate for Governor AbdulRazaq. These are verifiable contributions that speak to tested capacity, not mere ambition.
Beyond electoral victories, what has consistently defined Yahaya Seriki Gambari is an uncommon loyalty to party ideals. In a political environment where personal ambition often overrides institutional discipline, he has remained steadfast in his belief that party supremacy must prevail. His public and private conduct reflects deep respect for leadership, particularly his acknowledged admiration for Governor AbdulRazaq, under whom he has continued to demonstrate humility and alignment. At no point has he been associated with anti-party activities; instead, he has remained a stabilising force within the APC structure.
Equally important is his sustained financial commitment to the party. Political organisations do not run on goodwill alone. They require resources, logistics, and consistent support. Over the years, Yahaya Seriki Gambari has distinguished himself as one of those who do not merely identify with the party in name but invest materially in its growth and sustainability. His untiring financing of party activities has strengthened operations and reinforced his position as a dependable stakeholder.
Yet, what makes his candidacy particularly compelling is the balance between grassroots connection and global exposure. As a businessman with significant international reach, he brings to the table a development perspective shaped by global best practices, investment insights, and economic pragmatism. At the same time, his deep engagement with local communities –through philanthropy, youth empowerment, and bridge-building initiatives – has earned him trust and acceptance across Kwara. These are not relationships built overnight; they are the product of years of consistent interaction and service.
His political philosophy, often described as “politics without bitterness,” is not just rhetoric. It reflects a temperament suited for inclusive governance – one that prioritises unity, peace, and collective progress. This has been evident in the way he is received both within and outside Kwara, including at national gatherings of the party where his presence commands recognition and respect.
It is also important to situate his relevance within the broader national context. Through his visible support for the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly via the City Boy Movement, Yahaya Seriki Gambari has demonstrated alignment with the APC’s national leadership. This is critical for governance synergy. Kwara cannot afford a disconnect between state and federal priorities; it needs a leader who understands the dynamics of national politics and can effectively position the state within that framework.
As 2027 approaches, the question before the APC is not merely who can contest, but who can win, govern, and sustain momentum. The current administration has set a clear trajectory of reform, development, and people-focused governance. What is required next is not a departure from that path, but a consolidation – driven by competence, loyalty, and vision.
Gambari embodies these attributes. He is not a desperate seeker of power, but a prepared contributor to governance – one who has consistently demonstrated readiness to serve, capacity to deliver, and commitment to the collective interest. His “Kwara First” orientation speaks to a belief in the state’s immense potential and a determination to translate that potential into tangible outcomes for the people.
For party leaders and stakeholders, the decision ahead must be guided by evidence, not sentiment. And the evidence is clear. In Gambari, the APC has a candidate whose record, resources, reach, and relationships align with the demands of the moment.
The task, therefore, is straightforward: to recognise and support a candidacy that not only secures electoral victory but guarantees continuity, stability, and progress for Kwara State.
*Alhaji Adio, OLY is a former Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports in Kwara State.