The political contest in Kwara State has taken a new turn as the Peoples Democratic Party begins negotiations with 15 aggrieved governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress over possible cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The talks are focusing on the distribution of elective positions as both sides explore a broader political understanding before the Independent National Electoral Commission closes its nomination portal.
Sources close to the negotiations said the PDP proposed six State House of Assembly seats, two Senate tickets and two House of Representatives tickets to the aggrieved APC bloc. The group, however, was said to be seeking 10 Assembly seats in addition to two Senate and two House of Representatives positions.
The 15 aspirants have said they remain committed to President Bola Tinubu’s reelection but are unwilling to support the APC structure in Kwara State, deepening the internal crisis within the ruling party.
Spokesman for the group and former senator Yahaya Oloriegbe accused the state leadership of excluding key stakeholders from major decisions and warned that the dispute could damage the party’s electoral prospects.
The PDP has moved quickly to take advantage of the disagreement. At a strategic meeting in Ilorin, party stakeholders authorised former Senate President Bukola Saraki to begin consultations with members of the APC bloc and other political groups.
The PDP leadership also urged members to place collective party interest above personal ambition as it seeks to expand its support base.
Meanwhile, the Kwara APC Reconciliation Committee has submitted its report to the party leadership after meeting aggrieved members.
Committee Chairman AbdulWahab Lawal said the panel gave all parties an opportunity to present their grievances and expressed confidence that the recommendations could help restore unity.
State APC Chairman Sunday Fagbemi said the party would study the report and take steps aimed at resolving the disagreements.
