A political twist unfolded in Kwara State as Haliru Dantsoho Mahmud, an aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stepped down shortly after declaring his governorship ambition, throwing his support behind Yahaya Seriki Gambari.
Mahmud, who hails from Kwara North Senatorial District, had initially presented himself as a candidate driven by the need to address what he described as the long-standing marginalisation of his region in the state’s leadership. However, moments after making his declaration, he announced his withdrawal from the race following consultations with party stakeholders.
Explaining his decision, Mahmud described Seriki as a more suitable candidate with the capacity to unify the state and advance inclusive development. He stressed that his move was not an act of defeat but a strategic decision aimed at strengthening party cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.
“For nearly three decades, Kwara North has remained loyal without producing a governor,” he said, adding that while the struggle for equity remains important, unity and collective progress must take priority.
Mahmud, also known as Dan’iyan Kaiama, praised Seriki’s record in youth empowerment and grassroots engagement, noting that his leadership style aligns with the broader vision of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
He further described his withdrawal as a deliberate sacrifice for the greater good of the party and the state. The announcement drew reactions from party supporters at the event in Ilorin, many of whom applauded what they saw as a move to consolidate unity within the APC.
Beyond politics, Mahmud also commended government authorities and security agencies for their response to recent security concerns in the state, urging continued efforts to ensure the safety of residents.
The development underscores ongoing political realignments within the APC in Kwara, as stakeholders position themselves strategically ahead of the next election cycle.
