In Kwara State on May 19, 2026, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq publicly endorsed Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
The governor announced his decision through a Facebook post seen in Ilorin, stating that the endorsement followed consultations with party leaders and political stakeholders across the state. He described Yahaya Seriki as a politician with grassroots support, political experience and strong connections with people in different parts of Kwara.
AbdulRazaq said he believes Seriki has the ability to continue the programmes and projects of the present administration after the end of his tenure in 2027. He also referred to him as a younger politician with wide acceptance among party members and supporters in the state.
Despite endorsing Seriki, the governor clarified that other governorship aspirants within the APC still have the right to contest in the party’s primary election scheduled for May 21, 2026. He appealed to party members and leaders to work towards unity during the process in order to maintain stability within the ruling party.
The governor also stated that his support for Seriki should not be seen as an attack on other aspirants contesting for the APC ticket. According to him, several qualified individuals are participating in the race, but only one candidate can eventually emerge as the party’s flag bearer.
AbdulRazaq further praised the conduct of the governorship aspirants, saying many of them have shown discipline and commitment throughout the political process. He noted that the contestants have also shown interest in sustaining the achievements recorded during his administration in the last seven years.
The endorsement is expected to shape political discussions within the APC ahead of the governorship primary, with Yahaya Seriki now viewed as one of the leading contenders in the race to succeed the governor.
AbdulRazaq, who is completing his second term in office, recently participated in the APC senatorial primary for Kwara Central Senatorial District and is reportedly contesting the seat without opposition.