All Progressives Congress may face a serious political setback in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 governorship election if it zones its governorship ticket to Kwara North, Director-General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abubakar Suleiman, has warned.

Suleiman, in a statement on Friday, said while zoning remains a vital instrument for equity and political balance among the state’s three senatorial districts, it must not override electoral realities.

He stressed that political parties seeking victory must consider key factors such as voter strength, grassroots structures, historical voting patterns and the overall acceptability of candidates.

According to him, any zoning arrangement that ignores these realities could put the ruling party at risk in the next governorship contest.

The NILDS DG recalled that Peoples Democratic Party suffered political losses in the 2023 governorship election after presenting its candidate from Kwara North, noting that the opposition party is now adjusting its strategy by looking towards Kwara Central.

He warned APC against repeating what he described as a costly political mistake.

“It will be dangerous for APC to rely on sentiment and emotions in making such a crucial decision. The ultimate goal of every political party is victory,” he said.

Suleiman further urged party leaders to build consensus across Kwara North, Central and South, insisting that unity remains critical to retaining power in 2027.