The Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Social Investment, Saddiq Buhari, has faulted recent comments by the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abubakar Olarewaju Suleiman, over the political prospects of Kwara North in the 2027 governorship race.

Buhari's reaction follows claims in a recent interview by Professor Suleiman that only a candidate from Kwara Central stands a realistic chance of winning the governorship election, casting doubt on the viability of aspirants from Kwara North.

As a result, in a statement issued on Sunday, and made available to Arewa PUNCH Buhari described the assertion as unfounded and lacking empirical basis, accusing the professor of political science of ignoring historical electoral realities in the state.

"Such a submission, lacking empirical basis, is the least expected from a professor," Buhari said, adding that the claim was "deliberately warped" to suit a political narrative.

He argued that electoral outcomes in Kwara State over the years have not been determined by regional bias but by broader political dynamics and voter preferences.

Citing past elections, Buhari recalled that in 2011, a governorship candidate from Kwara South defeated a contender from Kwara Central, winning votes across districts, including in Central.

He further noted that in 2015, despite the Peoples Democratic Party fielding a candidate from Kwara Central and having an incumbent governor from Kwara South, the party lost the election, which he said reflected voters' rejection of political arrangements rather than regional considerations.

Buhari, who also referenced the 2019 governorship election, where the PDP candidate from Kwara Central, backed by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, was defeated, described the outcome as evidence that electoral success in the state transcends zoning sentiments.

On the 2023 elections, Buhari criticised Suleiman's role as the PDP governorship campaign director-general, noting that the party suffered defeat across all three senatorial districts.

"What happened in 2023 was a rejection of inconsistent political actors and had nothing to do with regional bias against Kwara North," he said.

The governor's aide further pointed to the performance of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in Kwara North during the 2023 election, stating that the governor secured over 60 per cent of votes in four out of five local government areas in the district.

He cited Baruten and Kaiama as examples, where the governor reportedly polled 74.09 per cent and 66.28 per cent respectively.

According to him, the figures contradicted claims that Kwara North is politically disadvantaged, insisting instead that the district remains a stronghold of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Buhari maintained that the growing call for power shift to Kwara North ahead of 2027 is based on equity and fairness, urging political actors to focus on issue-based campaigns.

He said, "Kwara North is not begging for empathy but seeking a fair chance to contribute to the leadership of a state that belongs to all."

Arewa PUNCH had earlier reported that the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, warned that it would be politically risky for the All Progressives Congress to zone its 2027 governorship ticket in Kwara State to the Northern district.

Sulaiman, who hails from Kwara Central Senatorial District, described such a move as "suicidal" without a clear electoral advantage.

The NILDS DG, who has also declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the APC, made the remarks in a viral video obtained by our correspondent on Friday amid growing agitation for zoning and power rotation across the state's three senatorial districts.

Sulaiman, whilst acknowledging the legitimacy of zoning demands, questioned their electoral implications.

"For a state with diverse people and communities, power rotation is key. I don't blame anybody talking about zoning.

"I am not against zoning, I am not against power rotation, and I am not against the clamour by sections of Kwara to say, 'yes, it is our turn.' But the question is: how does power rotation and zoning translate into electoral victory?" he queried.

Sulaiman also stressed that political parties are ultimately guided by their chances of winning elections.