Kwara 2027: Dan’iyan Kaiama withdraw from Guber Race, Endorses Yahaya Seriki in Major Political Shift

Kwara 2027: Dan’iyan Kaiama withdraw from Guber Race, Endorses Yahaya Seriki in Major Political Shift

A frontline gubernatorial aspirant from Kwara North, Prince Haliru Dantsoho Mahmud, has officially withdrawn his candidacy.

The announcement was made during a press briefing held on Tuesday, where Prince Dantsoho disclosed that, following extensive consultations, he had resolved to sacrifice his personal ambition in support of Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari, an aspirant from Kwara Central Senatorial District. He described Seriki as the “unifier” Kwara needs at this critical moment.

In his address, the Dan’iyan Kaiama acknowledged the longstanding agitation for a governor of Kwara North extraction, noting that the district has remained a loyal stronghold of the All Progressives Congress (APC) since 1999 without producing a governor. While affirming his role as a strong advocate of the “Kwara North Lead” movement, he stressed that the current political climate demands a bridge-builder capable of uniting all three senatorial districts.

He was emphatic in his endorsement of Ambassador Seriki, highlighting his loyalty to the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and his alignment with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Prince Dantsoho further cited Seriki’s recent donation of ₦15 million to support a kidney patient in Kaiama as evidence of his compassion and commitment to the people of Kwara North. He added that Seriki’s track record in grassroots development and job creation distinguishes him among other aspirants, noting that his capacity to heal divisions and strengthen unity across the state is commendable.

Describing his decision, he stated: “My decision is not a retreat; it is a rallying call. It is not weakness; it is wisdom. Ambassador Seriki is one of us, and I believe that one of us is better than none of us.”

Addressing his core supporters, the Dan’iyan Kaiama reassured the people of Kwara North that his decision does not amount to a betrayal of their cause. According to him, the district’s aspiration is “deferred, not denied,” emphasizing that a united APC under Seriki offers the most viable path toward inclusive growth and development across all districts.

He also used the opportunity to commend President Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq, and the security hierarchy, including the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for their swift response to the tragic Woro massacre. He called for intensified efforts to secure the release of abducted victims, stressing that true leadership is defined by compassion and responsiveness.

According to reports by Nupeko TV, this endorsement represents a significant strategic boost for Ambassador Yahaya Seriki. By securing the backing of a political heavyweight such as the Dan’iyan Kaiama, Seriki is believed to have made substantial inroads into the Kwara North voting bloc.

Political observers suggest that the development signals the emergence of a consolidating “unity ticket” within the APC, potentially aimed at narrowing the field and preventing a fragmented primary process.