Ex-SDP Kwara Gubernatorial Candidate Hakeem Lawal Backs APC in 2027

Former Kwara State governorship candidate Hakeem Lawal has publicly reaffirmed his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 election in the state. Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement in Ilorin on Saturday, Lawal—a son of the late Kwara Governor Muhammad Lawal—formally endorsed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the APC’s governorship candidate, Yakubu Salihu-Danladi, signaling a shift back to the party after contesting the 2023 election under the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Lawal, who had remained publicly silent on his political alignment in recent months despite speculation, stated that he has always been a member of the APC. “I’ve been silent all the while and people have been asking where I belong, but I belong to APC,” he said. He urged aggrieved APC members to return to the fold, emphasizing that political opportunities arise in due course. “Some people have tasted both and they can see the difference. Let all of us come back to the party and work for victory,” he added.

The event, organized by Lawal, aimed to unite old and new APC members, preserve the party’s legacy, and chart a common path ahead of 2027. Lawal reflected on the APC’s history in Kwara, recalling its governance from 1999 to 2003, opposition for 16 years, and return to power in 2019, stressing the need for unity as the current administration nears the end of its term.

Addressing recent reports of a rift between APC governorship candidate Salihu-Danladi and his running mate Kayode Alabi, Lawal dismissed the claims as baseless social media speculation. He also referred to the G15 group—reportedly disaffected APC members—as “brothers” and part of the party family, asserting that differences would be resolved through dialogue. “G15, they are our brothers. They are part of us. We are all together; we are in this struggle together,” he stated.

Lawal acknowledged that internal disagreements are normal within political parties but expressed confidence that the APC would overcome its current challenges. He credited President Bola Tinubu as the national leader of the APC, with Governor AbdulRazaq leading the party in Kwara State. APC State Deputy Chairman Abdullahi Samari echoed this sentiment, saying the party remains in control despite current difficulties. “Things will be better than this before election,” Samari said. “It is a tough time for our party. But we will win the election because we are still in charge.”

Samari advised party members to engage rather than confront those who have left, urging them to persuade former members to return. Lawal concluded by warning that opposition parties may attempt to exploit internal APC divisions, but insisted that past misunderstandings had been resolved and this would be no different.

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