Kwara 2027: PVM Warns Wike Against Interference, Demands Equity, APC Reconciliation
Kwara 2027: PVM Warns Wike Against Interference, Demands Equity, APC Reconciliation
The Progressives Vision Movement says escalating political disagreements in Kwara could deepen divisions within the APC and strengthen opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Progressives Vision Movement (PVM) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to steer clear of the internal political affairs of Kwara State and allow Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and political stakeholders in the state to resolve their differences without external interference.
President of the movement, Prince Gbadegeshin Ademola, made the call against the backdrop of the growing political confrontation between Wike and AbdulRazaq and the realignments taking shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The movement argued that what Kwara requires at this critical period is reconciliation, consultation and an arrangement capable of promoting fairness among the state’s three senatorial districts rather than a political battle that could further polarise the ruling All Progressives Congress.
According to PVM, Wike’s continued public exchanges over Kwara politics risk aggravating an already delicate situation.
“It is high time the Honourable Minister concentrated on his responsibilities in the Federal Capital Territory and allowed the people of Kwara State to determine their political future,” Ademola said.
“Waking up a sleeping lion at a time when reconciliation is needed will not serve the interest of Kwara people. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq should be allowed to work with stakeholders and complete the political process he has started.”
The statement comes amid an increasingly public disagreement between Wike and the Kwara governor.
Wike recently accused AbdulRazaq of championing a campaign against him and alleged that the governor had complained about his relationship with politicians who lost out in the APC’s candidate-selection process. Wike has denied that he is attempting to plant candidates in Kwara and has argued that politicians displaced within the APC should be free to seek alternative platforms.
The disagreement has become part of a wider debate surrounding Wike’s so-called Rainbow Coalition, an arrangement he says is aimed principally at mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election while allowing politicians to pursue other elective positions through different political platforms.
Wike reiterated that position during a September 21 television interview in which he again criticised AbdulRazaq and other APC governors opposed to the arrangement.
PVM, however, maintained that Kwara’s political leadership should be allowed to resolve its succession questions internally.
Ademola warned that the disagreement could have unintended consequences for the APC if aggrieved members are pushed into the opposition.
That concern is not entirely hypothetical. Reports in August indicated that former Senate President and former Kwara governor Bukola Saraki had begun engaging aggrieved APC politicians, including members of the bloc commonly referred to as G15 or Oto Ge Progressives.
Separate reports also indicated that the Kwara PDP and aggrieved APC governorship aspirants had opened discussions over possible political cooperation and power-sharing arrangements ahead of 2027.
For PVM, those developments should encourage APC stakeholders to prioritise reconciliation rather than widen existing divisions.
“The warning signs are there,” Ademola said. “When people who worked together begin to feel alienated, political opponents naturally see an opportunity. Consultation and reconciliation must therefore continue until a formidable and united political family emerges.”
The movement also brought the question of zoning and political equity into the debate, arguing that Kwara North deserves serious consideration in discussions surrounding the state’s political future.
PVM said political stakeholders should recognise concerns about equitable rotation of power among Kwara Central, Kwara South and Kwara North rather than allowing external political interests to dominate the succession conversation.
Governor AbdulRazaq had earlier publicly endorsed Abdulfatai Seriki as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election, saying his choice followed consultations with party structures and leaders.
The succession process has nevertheless generated disagreements within the ruling party, with some aggrieved APC stakeholders challenging the manner in which the political transition has been handled. Those grievances have contributed to discussions with opposition figures and intensified pressure for reconciliation.
PVM said AbdulRazaq’s record as governor should not be overshadowed by the emerging political confrontation.
According to the movement, the governor should be given the opportunity to complete his tenure and participate in shaping a peaceful transition while the ultimate decision remains with Kwara voters.
“Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has served Kwara State, and whatever disagreements anybody may have with him, the people of Kwara must be allowed to determine their political direction through a level playing field,” Ademola said.
The PVM president cautioned Wike against actions that could be interpreted by political actors in Kwara as attempts to determine the state’s succession battle from outside.
He stressed that allegations of behind-the-scenes political intervention remain politically contested and should not replace transparent engagement among parties, aspirants and voters.
Wike himself has rejected allegations that he is planting candidates across states. He has instead argued that governors who exclude serving politicians from their parties should not complain when those politicians seek alternative platforms.
PVM nevertheless urged the FCT minister to consider the long-term consequences of his involvement in the Kwara political dispute.
“Mr Wike has himself acknowledged publicly that some governors believe he is involved in political developments in their states,” Ademola said.
“We are therefore appealing to him: allow Kwara people to settle Kwara politics. Allow reconciliation to work. Allow consultation to continue. Do not turn political disagreement into a battle that could destroy relationships built over many years.”
The movement particularly appealed to APC leaders, aspirants and supporters who remain dissatisfied with recent developments not to close the door on reconciliation.
PVM argued that the ruling party still has an opportunity to rebuild trust if stakeholders approach the crisis with openness and respect for differing interests.
The group also warned that failure to resolve the disagreements could provide an opening for the PDP and Saraki’s political network to consolidate alliances with dissatisfied APC figures.
Recent political developments have already demonstrated the fluidity of the situation. Reporting indicates that realignments involving disaffected APC politicians and PDP figures are taking place as both major camps prepare for 2027.
PVM therefore urged all sides to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and concentrate on building political consensus.
For Ademola, the central question should not be who possesses the strongest external political connections but how Kwara can emerge from the 2027 succession process without deepening divisions among its people.
“Nobody should underestimate the political consciousness of the people of Kwara,” he said.
“Let there be consultation. Let there be reconciliation. Let there be fairness. And above all, let the people have the final say.
“Kwara belongs to Kwarans. Political leaders may have their interests and alliances, but those interests must not override the wishes of the people.
“The peace, unity and future of Kwara State must come first.”
As the 2027 elections approach, the dispute involving Wike, AbdulRazaq, aggrieved APC stakeholders and opposition figures is likely to remain an important part of Kwara’s evolving political landscape.
Whether ongoing reconciliation efforts within the APC will resolve the disagreements, or whether further realignments will reshape the contest, remains an open question.
For the Progressives Vision Movement, however, its message is that the political future of Kwara should ultimately be determined through consultation, equity, internal party reconciliation and the democratic choices of the state’s electorate.
