The Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, has cautioned the All Progressives Congress against zoning its 2027 governorship ticket in Kwara State to the northern senatorial district, describing the move as politically risky.

Sulaiman, who has declared his intention to contest the governorship election on the platform of the APC, said such a decision could undermine the party’s chances if it lacks clear electoral advantage.

Speaking in a video that surfaced on Friday, he acknowledged growing calls for zoning and power rotation among the state’s three senatorial districts but questioned how such arrangements would translate into electoral success.

He noted that while the demands for equity and inclusion are valid, political parties are primarily driven by their prospects of winning elections.

According to him, zoning decisions must be based on strong electoral calculations rather than sentiment.

Sulaiman warned that allocating the party’s ticket to a zone without sufficient voting strength could be damaging, stressing that parties typically avoid decisions that may weaken their chances at the polls.

He added that although he sympathises with advocates of zoning, parties must ensure they have a clear and comfortable advantage before adopting such strategies.

The NILDS boss expressed confidence that key stakeholders, including Bola Tinubu, would consider the political implications before making any decision on the issue.

He also drew comparisons with other states, noting that similar risks are not taken in places like Oyo State and Benue State.

The zoning debate has continued to shape discussions around the 2027 governorship race, with increasing calls for power to shift to the northern district.

Meanwhile, the APC chairman in Kwara State, Sunday Fagbemi, said the party had yet to adopt a formal position on zoning.

He expressed confidence in the party’s electoral strength, stating that efforts were underway to expand its winning margin in the next election. Fagbemi also dismissed concerns about internal divisions, assuring that aspirants would engage in healthy competition ahead of the party’s primaries.

He added that the party would rally support behind whoever emerges as its candidate, as stakeholders continue to balance zoning demands with electoral considerations.