How Kwara APC’s consensus deal crumbled in 24 hours

What looked like a settled succession plan in Kwara APC unraveled within 24 hours. Despite widespread backing for Ambassador Yahaya Seriki-Gambari, the party’s governorship primary delivered a surprise outcome: Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu emerged victorious, triggering a fresh debate over zoning, elite influence and the future of the ruling party ahead of 2027. DARE AKOGUN reports

For much of the week leading to the All Progressives Congress governorship primary election in Kwara State, the political narrative appeared settled.

The momentum was firmly behind Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki-Gambari.

Eight aspirants had withdrawn from the race and publicly endorsed him. Party insiders spoke confidently of an emerging consensus. Supporters celebrated what appeared to be the final stage of a carefully managed succession process designed to preserve the political legacy of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq beyond 2027.

Then, in less than 24 hours, everything changed.