2027: Group intensifies push for Christian governor in Kwara

A group under the aegis of the Coalition of Concerned Kwara Christian Stakeholders has renewed its call for the emergence of a Christian governor in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The coalition made its position known on Wednesday during a press conference in Ilorin, urging political actors and stakeholders to prioritise inclusivity and fairness in the state’s leadership structure.

 

Speaking at the briefing, the group’s spokesperson, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Adegboye, said the demand was rooted in justice, unity, and democratic balance, rather than religious sentiment.

 

“We call on political actors in the state to avoid exclusionary tendencies and prioritise inclusivity. Kwara is a multicultural state, and this diversity should be reflected in its political leadership,” he said.

 

The group argued that the state’s ethnic and religious diversity — comprising Yoruba, Nupe, Baruba, Fulani, Igbo, Hausa, Christians, Muslims, and traditional communities — should be mirrored in governance, warning that continued imbalance could threaten its long-standing peaceful coexistence.

 

Providing historical context, the coalition noted that only one Christian, Chief C.O. Adebayo (1983), has served as a civilian governor in the state, while subsequent administrations have been led by Muslims.

 

It listed past governors, including Adamu Attah, Shaaba Lafiagi, Mohammed Lawal, Bukola Saraki, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and the incumbent AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, all of whom are Muslims.

 

According to the group, the call for a Christian governor is aimed at fostering a sense of belonging and equal representation, not promoting division.

 

“This is not a religious campaign but a push for fairness. We are against the weaponisation of religion in the selection of candidates,” Adegboye added.

 

The coalition also demanded greater political inclusion and equitable distribution of offices, stressing that the state’s leadership should reflect its demographic realities.

 

While noting that its preferred candidate could emerge from any part of the state, the group expressed a preference for Kwara South Senatorial District, citing its significant Christian population.

 

Reaffirming its commitment to unity, the coalition emphasised that the Kwara Government House belongs to all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity, and urged stakeholders to work towards a more inclusive political future.