Kwara indigenes renew pressure for Christian governor ahead of 2027 elections

Kwara Inclusion Advocates (KIA), a coalition of citizens at home and abroad, has renewed calls for a Christian governor in the state, citing years of leadership imbalance.

The group made its position clear during a virtual media parley with senior editors and political correspondents on Saturday in Lagos.

KIA, whose members span multiple ethnic and religious communities in Kwara and include a significant diaspora presence in the United States, said the push reflects concerns about exclusion and its impact on trust and social cohesion.

According to the conveners, Fola Abiodun Adekeye and Tunji Adeyemi, persistent political exclusion has fuelled tension and vulnerability in the state.

“Kwara is one of Nigeria’s most cosmopolitan and plural states. Yet, this diversity has not been reflected in its political leadership configuration in recent years,” the group said.

“This imbalance is not sustainable. Exclusion—especially when weaponised—creates fertile ground for insecurity.’’

The coalition referenced recent commentary by Iyiola Oyedepo, who warned that some political actors exploit religious sentiment to maintain influence.

The conveners described Oyedepo’s intervention as a “timely reminder that Kwara cannot afford divisive politics disguised as tradition”.

While emphasising that it does not endorse any individual or political party, the group noted that the call for a Christian governor is about fairness and balance rather than sectarian interest.

“This conversation is philosophical, not sectional. It reflects the desire of many Kwarans for a political culture that mirrors our diversity and strengthens social cohesion,” the group said.

The conveners urged political actors to avoid exclusionary tendencies in the lead-up to the 2027 election.

“The 2027 election is a referendum on what Kwara represents. We must choose between being a beacon of coexistence or sliding into the shadows of fear and manipulation,” the group added.(The Cable)