Stalwarts and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ilorin East local government area have issued a strong directive to all prospective aspirants for elective offices in the forthcoming 2027 general elections: they must seek the blessing and endorsement of the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The directive was given at a stakeholders meeting held at the Ilorin East APC secretariat, Sabo-Oke, Ilorin.

The stakeholders were effusive in their praise, declaring that Ilorin East local government remains the highest beneficiary of Governor AbdulRazaq's administration, stating that: "It has never been so good for Ilorin East as it's under the administration of Governor AbdulRazaq."

They unanimously resolved that the 2027 election will be a "pay back time" for the Governor in appreciation of his unmatched support for the people of Ilorin East.

Speakers at the event included the Senior Adviser/Counselor to the Governor, Alh Saadu Salahu, Chairman, Ilorin East local government, Hon. Lukman Garba Agbelere, Ilorin East APC Chairman, Hon. Habeeb Ajibola Lawal, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Afeez Abolore, Alh Usman Bibire Ajape, Hon. Ali Amuda Jimoh, and Alhaja Kubura Kasum.

Speaking at the event, the senior adviser/counselor, Alh Saadu Salahu said Governor AbdulRazaq holds Ilorin East dear to his heart just as he acknowledged Ilorin East's unmatched support for his administration.

"The benefits accrued to our local government under Governor AbdulRaxaq are unequalled. Both the rural and urban communities in Ilorin East are duly recognised in terms of development and appointments.

"We have two commissioners, two members of the Muslim Pilgrims Board, two senior special assistants on Religion scattered across both the rural and urban communities in Ilorin East. We also have the rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin who is running a second term.

"The governor also gave us a Senator. Ilorin East APC is peaceful. The council and party chairmen are both from rural areas.The Sardauna Ilorin Forum started from Ilorin East.

"We want the governor to know that our resolution at this meeting, aside from thanking him for his kind gestures, we are also praying to Allah to give us a successor that will build on his legacies.

"Governor AbdulRazaq is our leader. All aspirants for various political offices should seek the governor's blessing.

"Our governor enjoys cordial relationship with President Bola Tinubu. There is no opposition in Kwara again. Notable opposition figures are now with APC," Salahu said.

The chairman of Ilorin East local government area, Hon. Lukman Garba Agbelere thanked the governor and the people of Ilorin East for their support.

"It has never been so good for Ilorin East as it's under Governor AbdulRazaq's administration. The attendance/ turn out at this meeting shows that the Ilorin APC is one. We await the governor's directive on the way to go in 2027," Agbelere said.

The Ilorin East APC chairman, Hon. Habeeb Ajibola Lawal, while noting that the governor has done a lot for Ilorin East stressed the need for all groups within the APC in the local government to come together and work as a team.

He said the 2027 election would be the time to pay the governor back for his kind gestures to the people of Ilorin East.

The commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Afeez Abolore also preached unity amongst the party members, saying that Governor AbdulRazaq " is our unifying factor."

For her part, Alhaja Kubura Kasum thanked the governor for siting Kwara State University of Education (KWASUED)at Alalubosa in Ilorin East.

Also speaking, Alh Usman Bibire Ajape said APC remains the party to beat , urging everyone to queue behind the governor in the coming elections.

"Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is the APC leader in the state. We should all queue behind him", he said, praising the governor for the monumental infrastructural projects going on across the state and for guaranteeing freedom of expression.

Other dignitaries at the event include the senior special assistant on Security, Alh Muyideen Aliyu, senior special assistant on Religion ( Islam), Alh Ibrahim Danmaigoro, former political adviser, Alh Toyin Olokoba.

Also present were former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Ali Amuda Jimoh, vice chairperson, Ilorin East local government area, Nafisat AbdulRaheem, Education secretary, Ilorin East, Alh AbdulRauf AbdulMalik Asude, members of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alh Shuaib Kawu and Alhaji Bube as well as a member of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Alh Gani Alawo.