Kwara 2026: Kwara Governor picks billionaire Seriki as his heir

A day before the APC governorship primaries, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has publicly endorsed Ambassador Abdulfatai Seriki, a billionaire mining magnate and chairman of the Kursi Group, as his preferred successor.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Governor said the endorsement followed extensive consultations with party stakeholders.

He described Seriki as young, pro-people, and an astute mobilizer with deep goodwill across the state. AbdulRazaq clarified that his choice does not disqualify other aspirants but urged party members to back Seriki for unity and continuity.

The announcement triggered swift endorsements from key political figures, including House Speaker Salihu Yakubu Danladi, who congratulated Seriki and pledged his support. NILD Director General Prof. Abubakar Suleiman withdrew from the race entirely.

Local government APC chairmen from Kwara Central and South, as well as the state ALGON chairman Abdullahi Danladi, declared full support for the governor’s choice.

Within hours, thousands of supporters gathered at the Tunde Idiagbon International Stadium in Ilorin to welcome Seriki.

At least five major party blocs are scheduled to hold endorsement rallies on Wednesday, making his emergence at Thursday’s primary almost certain.