Kwara NDC moves to end crisis, unveils running mate to gov’ship candidate

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kwara State has taken steps to resolve its internal leadership dispute ahead of the 2027 governorship election. On Monday, the party transferred its state secretariat in Ilorin to the AbdulGaniyu AbdulSalam-led executive and introduced Elder Israel Ajayi Awolowo as the running mate to its gubernatorial candidate, Prof. Abdulmumin Olayinka Ajia.

This internal dispute is part of broader disagreements within the NDC regarding the incorporation of new political factions and the autonomy of the party’s formal structures as they prepare for the 2027 polls.

Prof. Ajia, unveiling Awolowo alongside the transfer of the state secretariat, described his chosen running mate as a retired Deputy Director in the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission and an educationist with decades of professional experience. He explained that Awolowo's perspective and familiarity with the state’s communities would bring valuable insights to the ticket and provide guidance in the administration they aspire to establish.

Ajia emphasized that Elder Awolowo would have clearly defined responsibilities, functioning as a dedicated partner in executing the Forward Kwara Agenda. He stressed that there would be no room for redundancy, given the substantial work required for the state.

Regarding the leadership disagreement within Kwara, Ajia stated that this development should conclude the leadership question in the state chapter. He urged party members who had differing viewpoints during the dispute to unite behind the AbdulSalam-led executive. He called for resolving differences through the recognized structures of the party and creating space for anyone eager to contribute to its activities.

According to Ajia, the decision to hand over the secretariat was backed by Awolowo and candidates from various districts, including Dr AbdulRasheed Suleiman Omoda, the Kwara Central senatorial candidate, and Ambassador Samuel Omoniyi Oni, the Kwara South senatorial candidate. He emphasized that the focus should now be on bolstering the party’s organization to prevent internal disagreements from hindering its preparations for the 2027 election, urging members at ward and local government levels to cooperate with the state executive and back the party’s candidates.

In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Ajia reflected on his extensive experience in education and community service, highlighting his ability to listen, collaborate, and take responsibility for outcomes. The party chairman, AbdulSalam, assured that the state executive would treat all members fairly, bolster the party’s organs, and provide the necessary backing for its candidates.

He encouraged party members to share their ideas and enthusiasm in rebuilding the party, promising to manage its affairs in a way that would earn the trust of Kwarans.