2027 Kwara Guber: Yahaya Seriki’s Candidacy Gets A Boost As Co-aspirant Haliru Mahmud Declares Support For Him

One of the Kwara State APC gubernatorial aspirants, Prince Haliru Dantsoho Mahmud has dropped out of the race.

Prince Haliru Dantsoho Mahmud, who was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Dan’ Iyan of Kaiama in 2010, announced his decision to  withdraw from the race during an event held at M&M Event Centre, Ilorin on Tuesday.

 Noting that the agitation for a Kwara North indigene as governor of the state remains alive and recalling that he has been a longtime supporter of this cause, Prince Haliru Dantsoho Mahmud while providing reasons for his decision to withdraw from the race also declared support for Alhaji Abdulfatahi Yahaya Seriki’s candidacy.

‘Kwara State is blessed with three senatorial districts: Kwara Central, Kwara North, and Kwara Central respectively. Yet, since the dawn of our democratic journey in 1999, only Kwara North has not produced an executive governor.

For nearly three decades now, Kwara North has stood as a loyal pillar of support to the other senatorial districts, but it has not been given the chance to lead. This is not just unfair; it is also disheartening. And so, the cry for justice has grown louder: ‘Let Kwara North lead’.

I have been one of the strongest champions of this agitation, because I believe that fairness is the foundation of unity, and unity is the engine of progress.

 Initial Decision

It was this conviction, after wide consultations with the good people of Kwara North that informed my initial decision to run for governor in our dear State of Harmony in the 2027 general election.

 New Development & Change of Course

Leadership is not about self, it is about service. And service sometimes demands sacrifice.

Further consultations have revealed a greater truth: at this critical moment, Kwara needs not just a governor, but a unifier. Someone who can heal divisions, bridge communities, and strengthen the bond that has long defined us as one people.

Therefore, instead of declaring my gubernatorial bid today, I stand before you to declare something even greater: my decision to withdraw from the race and extend my full, unalloyed support to a fellow aspirant, Brother, Friend, philanthropist, unifier and detribalized Kwaran, Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari, MFR’ he said.

Prince Haliru Dantsoho Mahmud, who also noted that his decision is not in any way ‘a retreat’ or ‘a sign of weakness’ but rather a ‘rallying call’ added that ‘it is wisdom. It is not surrender, It is sacrifice for unity and progress’.

Alhaji Abdulfatahi Yahaya Seriki according to him embodies the qualities that Kwara needs citing loyalty to ‘our party’, unwavering support for the Governor Abdul Rahman Abdul Razaq administration, alignment of his vision with that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and proven impact through youth empowerment, grassroots development, and bridge-building across communities.

‘He is not just a qualified candidate, he is a bridge between past achievements and future possibilities’ he added.

Prince Haliru Dantsoho Mahmu, who assured his brothers and sisters from the Kwara North, that what he has done is not a betrayal of ‘our cause’, added that ‘Kwara North’s time is not denied, it is only deferred, and it will come through unity’.

‘Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari has already shown his love for our district. His recent donation of N15,000,000 for the treatment of a kidney patient from Kaiama town shows that his commitment is not in words alone, but in action. With this kind gesture, he has no doubt demonstrated that he is one of us. 

And I believe that one of us is better than none of us’ he submitted while adding that ‘today, I step aside not in defeat, but in faith, believing that together, under Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari’s leadership, Kwara will rise to new heights of inclusive growth, stability, and shared prosperity.

One of all is better than none of us, Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari’

He also extended his heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abdul Rahman Abdul Razaq for their swift response to the recent tragic bandit attack in Woro while urging everyone to ensure that those who are still in captivity regain their freedom.

‘I also appreciate the concerns shown by the new Inspector General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adekimi Ojo and the Divisional Police Officer, Kaiama, Mr. Nafiu Hafiz, as well as the heads of other security agencies and other stakeholders over the incident. We really appreciate you all. We however want to implore relevant stakeholders to please expedite action in respect of the rescue of the abducted victims, for true leadership is measured not only in policies but in compassion. My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families of the unfortunate incident and I also grieve with the families of the yet to be rescued abducted victims’ he added .

 The event was attended by Kwara State APC bigwigs including Hon Gideon Saba, a member of the state House of Assembly, Hon Mustapha Ope Saraki, Hon Haruna Sulaiman and Alhaji Fatahi Aje-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079,  08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you