Kwara APC Young Members Dispute Result of Governorship Election Preliminary Round

The All Progressives Congress (APC) youth forum in Kwara State has voiced its discontent with the outcome of the party's primary election, citing widespread injustice, manipulation, and disregard for democratic principles. This stance was conveyed through a statement issued by the forum's convener, Comrade Ayuba Bako Marufudeen.

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The APC governorship primary election has reportedly left a profound sense of disillusionment among thousands of party loyalists, who felt that the process was marred by imposition, predetermined arrangements, and suppression of the genuine will of party members.

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The youth forum unequivocally rejected the outcome of the governorship primary, refusing to acknowledge the announced candidate as a true representation of the party members' wishes and aspirations in the state.

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According to the forum, democracy is founded on the principles of fairness, participation, transparency, and collective decision-making, and its survival is threatened when the voices of the majority are ignored and political interests take precedence over justice and equity.

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The events that transpired during the primary election were seen as a direct affront to the democratic values that the APC claims to uphold, prompting the youth forum to speak out against the perceived injustices.

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The forum conveyed a clear message to the national leadership of the APC and other stakeholders, emphasizing that the future of the party in Kwara State cannot be compromised by political manipulation and selfish ambition.

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The youths of Kwara State categorically rejected any form of candidate imposition, as well as arrangements designed to silence the people and deny party members the opportunity to freely choose their preferred candidate.

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Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari, MFR, was identified as the most acceptable, popular, experienced, and people-oriented aspirant in the race, having built enduring relationships across the state through his humility, generosity, and commitment to the welfare of the people.

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Ambassador Yahaya Seriki's popularity transcends political, ethnic, religious, and generational divides, with overwhelming support from various segments of the population, including youths, elders, market women, community leaders, students, and artisans.

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The forum found it unacceptable that such a widely embraced aspirant could be sidelined through a process that many party faithful consider questionable and lacking in credibility.

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The APC leadership was urged to recognize that the strength of any political party lies in the trust and confidence of its members, and that once the people lose faith in internal democratic processes, the unity and future of the party become seriously threatened.

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In order to achieve victory in the 2027 general elections, the party was advised to listen to the voice of the people and correct the mistakes arising from the flawed primary exercise.

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The people of Kwara State were described as politically conscious, enlightened, and courageous, and it was noted that they will resist any attempt to force a candidate upon them against their collective will.

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The party was warned not to ignore the growing anger, disappointment, and frustration among loyal supporters, especially the youths who form the backbone of political mobilization in the state.

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The national leadership of the APC, the Appeal Committee, and other stakeholders were passionately called upon to urgently intervene and review the outcome of the governorship primary in the interest of justice, fairness, party unity, and electoral success.

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Failure to uphold justice at this critical moment would further divide the party, discourage committed supporters, weaken grassroots structures, and create avoidable political consequences that may ultimately benefit the opposition.

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The issue at hand was framed as a matter of protecting democracy within the party, respecting the voices of ordinary party members, and securing the future of the APC in Kwara State.

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Historical records will remember the decisions taken at this defining moment, and the APC must decide whether it stands for democracy, fairness, and popular participation, or whether it will surrender the future of the party to personal interests and political imposition.

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The youth forum reaffirmed its commitment to the unity and success of the APC, but emphasized that unity can only thrive where justice prevails.