Fresh political tension may be building within the ruling All Progressives Congress in Kwara North following strong opposition by the Patigi Emirate Development Union to the reported 2027 re-election ambition of Senator Sadiq Sulaiman Umar.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday at the Correspondent Chapel of the state NUJ Council Secretariat in Ilorin, the socio-political body insisted that the district’s long-standing zoning arrangement must be respected, arguing that it is the turn of Patigi Local Government Area to produce the next senator representing Kwara North.
The development signals what observers believe could become one of the earliest major political contests ahead of the 2027 general elections in Kwara State.
PEDU, led by its National President, Salihu Bologi Umar, warned that any attempt to allow a third consecutive term for the incumbent senator could destabilise the political understanding that has sustained peace and balance within the district over the years.
According to the group, Kwara North stakeholders had historically operated an unwritten rotational arrangement that allows senatorial representation to move among constituent local governments after two terms or eight years.
“It is both justifiable and appropriate that the 2027 Kwara North Senatorial mandate be ceded to Patigi LGA,” the statement said.
The group argued that Patigi had remained loyal to the APC and deserved what it described as “fairness, equity and political inclusion” in the party’s decision-making process ahead of 2027.
In what appeared to be a direct message to both the senator and the APC leadership, PEDU urged Senator Sadiq Umar to “demonstrate statesmanship” by stepping aside in the interest of justice, regional harmony, and political stability.
The union further warned that denying Patigi the opportunity to produce the next senator could force stakeholders within the emirate to “reconsider their political options” and explore alternative democratic platforms.
Political observers say the statement may deepen conversations around zoning, succession, and internal power balancing within Kwara North, especially as permutations for the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum.
The district, which comprises Baruten, Edu, Kaiama, Moro, and Patigi local government areas, has historically witnessed delicate political negotiations aimed at maintaining regional balance and avoiding domination by any single bloc.
PEDU maintained that respecting the zoning understanding was necessary to preserve trust and prevent avoidable political tension within the district.
The group reiterated its position with the slogans: “No to Third Term Representation,” “Two Terms Are Sufficient,” and “Patigi Turn Is Now.”
The statement is expected to trigger fresh debate within APC circles in Kwara North over the future of the senatorial seat and the party’s strategy heading into 2027.
