The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State for the 2027 general elections, Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, has assured that his emergence as the party's flag bearer does not signal the end of the role of elder statesmen in the state's politics.

Danladi-Salihu, who is also the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, gave the assurance during a Youth Summit organised by the SYD Youth Forum in Ilorin, with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in attendance.

He stressed that the incoming administration would continue to rely on the experience and guidance of elders, describing them as indispensable to governance.

"It is not that a young man is coming into the leadership of the state to retire the elders. We need the wisdom of our elders, and since they are part and parcel of this administration, they will continue to play greater roles in the next administration," he said.

The APC governorship candidate also commended Governor AbdulRazaq for deliberately creating opportunities for young people to participate in governance and politics.

"I appreciate His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for being intentional and deliberate in his policy on youth inclusion in governance and participation in politics," he added.

Danladi-Salihu thanked members of the 9th and 10th Kwara State Houses of Assembly for their support and praised the organisers of the summit for mobilising young people in support of the APC.

Expressing confidence in the party's prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections, he attributed the APC's strength to Governor AbdulRazaq's grassroots political structure across the state's 193 wards.

"By the grace of God, we are going to win our elections. Your Excellency, sir, you are popular, and all the aspirants who contested the primaries relied on your structures. Our candidates are popular, grassroots-oriented and they will deliver," he said.

He also predicted an improved electoral performance for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Kwara State, saying ongoing reconciliation efforts within the party would strengthen the APC ahead of the polls.

"In Kwara, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure more votes than he received in 2023 as aggrieved members are being reconciled to work together and deliver victory for the party," he stated.

Danladi-Salihu urged young people to remain focused and committed to the APC's campaign.

"As youths, let us remain focused and avoid distractions. We are on our way to the 2027 general elections. Tell your neighbour that we are going to win the 2027 elections," he said.