A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Prince Haliru Dantsoho Mahmud, has withdrawn from the 2027 governorship race and declared support for a candidate from Kwara Central.
Dantsoho, also known as Dan’Iya Kaiama, announced his decision at a well-attended gathering in Ilorin, citing the need for unity and collective progress.
The APC stalwart, who had been at the forefront of the agitation for Kwara North to produce the next governor, said the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders.
He described the move as a strategic sacrifice aimed at strengthening cohesion across the state’s political landscape.
Dantsoho endorsed Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari, describing him as a loyal party member with strong grassroots appeal and a clear commitment to development.
Addressing concerns from his Kwara North base, Dantsoho said his decision does not amount to abandoning the district’s aspirations but represents a calculated step towards achieving them through consensus.
“This is not a betrayal of our cause. Kwara North’s time is not denied; it is only deferred, and it will come through unity,” he said.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and security agencies for their response to the recent Woro incident, urging authorities to intensify efforts to rescue abducted victims and support affected families.
Kwara Central, widely regarded as the state’s largest voting bloc, remains a decisive factor in governorship elections.
Political observers say the development could reshape the dynamics of the 2027 race, particularly within the APC, as alignments begin to crystallise.