Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has officially presented the newly emerged All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, to the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, at his palace in Ilorin.

The ceremonial presentation follows the conclusion of the highly competitive APC governorship primaries, where Danladi-Salihu—the current Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly—secured the party’s ticket to flag the progressive banner in the upcoming gubernatorial election.

During the visit, Governor AbdulRazaq described the candidate as a seasoned legislator, a reliable administrator, and a loyal partner in governance who has played a central role in driving the state’s legislative and developmental agendas.

The governor noted that presenting the candidate to the traditional institution is a vital step to seek royal blessings, preserve institutional continuity, and anchor the party’s vision for the state within grassroots communities. He expressed confidence that Danladi-Salihu has the requisite experience, public trust, and commitment to sustain and build upon the socioeconomic legacies established by his administration.

In his remarks, the flagbearer, Rt. Hon. Danladi-Salihu, expressed profound gratitude to the governor, party leaders, and delegates for their trust. He pledged to run an inclusive, progressive campaign aimed at addressing the core needs of Kwarans across all three senatorial districts, while upholding the rich cultural heritage and peace of the Ilorin Emirate and the state at large.

Receiving the delegation, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, offered royal prayers and blessings for the candidate and the state. The foremost traditional ruler commended the political leadership for maintaining peace, stability, and mutual respect during the party processes, urging all political actors across the state to ensure that the forthcoming campaigns are conducted with decorum, tolerance, and a steadfast focus on the development and security of Kwara State.