Youth stakeholders in the seven local government areas of Kwara South senatorial district of Kwara state, under the aegis of Kwara South Young Stakeholders, have demanded governorship slot ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a communique issued at the end of a political summit in Omu-Aran, Irepodun local government area, themed, Kwara 2027: The Kwara South Youths’ Perspective, the coordinator of the group and convener of the summit, Comrade Abiola Lawal, on behalf of the group, called for unity, strategic planning and commitment among the youth to ensure emergence of a governor from the district.
The youth, who said that they had commenced political consultations and strategic engagements among other political stakeholders from other districts, added that era of alleged marginalization is over.
“Political stakeholders across the state are now on notice—Kwara South youths are organized, determined and fully committed to ensuring that their voices are heard and their demands are met. The countdown to 2027 has begun, and for the young leaders of Kwara South, the time for action is now”.
Other resolutions at the summit include commitment to unity, as the youth group reaffirmed their dedication to preserving the historical bond among the Ekiti, Ibolo and Igbomina blocs, recognizing unity as a vital pillar in their quest for the governorship seat.
On enhanced security measures, the youths appealed to the state government to intensify security efforts across Kwara South district to safeguard lives, property, and businesses in the region.
The youths also demanded a more equitable distribution of state resources, emphasizing the urgent need for infrastructural and economic development in Kwara South.
While commending Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq for his developmental strides, the youths rejected what they described as automatic endorsement for any senatorial zone. “Instead, they encouraged qualified and capable sons and daughters of Kwara South to step forward and contest for the 2027 governorship seat”.
The summit proposed consultations with key political stakeholders to foster a fair and just power-sharing agreement among the three senatorial zones of the state.
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Appeal was also made for a structured rotation of the governorship position among the three senatorial districts to ensure balanced leadership representation across the state.
The youths called for their increased involvement in governance discussions, urging political leaders to embrace young people as active decision-makers rather than passive spectators.
A call was made for more job creation initiatives and political appointments for grassroots youth leaders, ensuring their active participation in shaping policies and governance.
The summit demanded infrastructural projects across Kwara South, citing the need for improved road networks, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and economic hubs.
The event featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including Comrade Love Adeyemi, Mr. Rasheed Salaudeen, Comrade Joel Afolayan, and the summit’s sole female panelist, all of whom delivered thought-provoking insights on youth participation in governance. Their speeches underscored the urgency of reclaiming the region’s rightful place in the political equation of the state.
The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Raphael Adetiba, a former Deputy Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, while Comrade Ben Duntoye, a former National President of the Youth Council of Nigeria, provided strategic direction on youth inclusivity and the importance of building strong political alliances.
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