Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has declared that opposition parties have collapsed both nationally and in Kwara, citing recent political developments and defections into the ruling party.

The governor made the assertion on Wednesday after the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State held its state congress, returning the Prince Sunday Fagbemi-led 34-member executive through affirmation.

The congress was supervised by a delegation of APC leaders from Abuja, led by Dr. Alkali Alabe.

Speaking with journalists after the exercise, AbdulRazaq said the dwindling influence of opposition parties was evident across the country and particularly in Kwara.

“As you can see, opposition has collapsed nationally and especially in Kwara State. However, we will not be complacent,” he said.

According to him, most members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state have aligned with the APC, while some others have moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he claimed has not demonstrated significant presence in recent electoral processes.

“As you can see from elections nationally, ADC has not shown any presence at all in the electoral process. Like I said, we will not be complacent. We need to work hard and continue to build on what we have achieved so far,” he added.

The governor attributed the APC’s growing dominance to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the party as one with a clear roadmap and vision for Nigeria.

“This party being led by President Bola Tinubu is a party for all. You can see at the national level, governors and structures from other parties are collapsing into APC. This is the future. It is a party that has a roadmap and vision for a better Nigeria,” he said.

AbdulRazaq also stated that he has no preferred or “anointed” candidate for the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

“It is not about somebody anointing anybody. God will anoint who will succeed us in the state,” he said.

He acknowledged that the party faces minor internal challenges arising from what he described as healthy competition ahead of the APC primaries, noting that about six governorship aspirants drawn from the National and State Houses of Assembly are in the race.

“When I talk of healthy competition, we have about six governorship aspirants. Most of them are in the hall here. In this season of Ramadan and Lent, we have to put God first. Those of us in positions of authority are there by the grace of the Almighty, and those who will get there will also do so by His grace,” he said.

The governor expressed hope that his successor would outperform his administration, urging whoever emerges to carry others along in the spirit of unity.

“We pray that our successor does better than us. As a team, we have raised the bar in the state. Our successor will raise it higher. It should be one family,” he said.

In his remarks, State Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi called on party leaders and members to remain steadfast and united as the 2027 elections approach.

“You are all qualified. However, these elective positions are limited and can only be occupied by one person at a time. I, therefore, call for restraint, party unity, adherence to democratic principles, party rules and respect and honour for our leaders, especially the president and our governor,” he said.

Fagbemi thanked party leaders and members for the renewed mandate, pledging that the executive would work to deliver another overwhelming victory for the APC in 2027. (Nigerian Tribune)