The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has expressed confidence that the developmental strides recorded under the administration of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq will pave the way for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to retain power in the state's 2027 governorship election.

The monarch made the remarks during a courtesy visit by leaders and candidates of the APC at his palace in Ilorin, where they sought royal blessings ahead of the forthcoming elections. Speaking during the meeting, the Emir commended Governor AbdulRazaq for what he described as impressive governance and people-oriented policies, noting that the administration's achievements had strengthened public confidence in the ruling party.

According to the traditional ruler, the governor's performance across critical sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and economic development, has positioned the APC favourably ahead of the next governorship contest.

He urged political actors to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in accordance with the law, while calling on residents of the state to continue supporting initiatives aimed at promoting peace, unity and sustainable development. Leading the APC delegation, the party's Chairman in Kwara State, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, said the visit was to formally present the party's candidates to the Emir and seek his blessings ahead of the electioneering campaign.

Fagbemi stated that the party remained united and committed to consolidating on the achievements of the AbdulRazaq administration, expressing optimism that the APC would secure victory in the 2027 governorship election.

Also speaking, the APC governorship candidate, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, pledged to sustain the developmental agenda of the current administration if elected. He described democracy as a process that accommodates diverse interests and assured party members that reconciliation efforts were ongoing to strengthen unity within the APC.

The Emir's endorsement comes at a time of heightened political activities in Kwara State following the APC governorship primary.

Although the ruling party has witnessed some internal disagreements over its succession process, its leadership has maintained that efforts are underway to resolve outstanding issues and present a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Political analysts believe that Governor AbdulRazaq's performance in office will remain a central campaign issue as political parties intensify preparations for what is expected to be a keenly contested governorship election in Kwara State.