The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has offered royal blessings and prayers for Senator Saliu Mustapha ahead of the 2027 general election.

He prayed while receiving Senator Mustapha, who visited the monarch's palace in Ilorin on Sunday, following the former's emergence as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Kwara Central Senatorial District in the forthcoming poll.

The Emir prayed that the parliamentarian would continue to prosper in his political career and other endeavours.

In the company of the legislator during the visit were Kwara PDP governorship candidate, Engr Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu; the PDP candidate for Ilorin East/Ilorin South Federal Constituency, Hon. Yusuf Saka Eletu; the party's Kwara Central Senatorial Chairman, Alhaji Isiaq Tunde Owolabi; Kwara PDP Secretary, Hon. Abdulrahman Kayode Abdullahi and other candidates of the party.

Speaking during the visit, the Emir commended Senator Mustapha for his contributions to the development of the Ilorin Emirate in his capacity as the Turaki of Ilorin.

Senator Mustapha, while addressing journalists shortly after his arrival at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, expressed appreciation to his supporters, PDP chieftains, youths, women and community stakeholders who trooped out in large numbers to welcome him at the airport.

The legislator said he would not take the show of love and solidarity for granted, noting that the support and goodwill of the people remained a source of encouragement as he continued to work toward a better Kwara Central.

Senator Mustapha, who expressed confidence in the party's chances in the forthcoming election, urged PDP members and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation and engage more voters to secure victory for the party in 2027.