The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has reportedly replaced its deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election, selecting Hon. Oluwaseun David Oguniyi, popularly known as Adato, as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.
Oguniyi, who represents the Ojomu/Balogun Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, hails from Offa Local Government Area of the state.
The reported change replaces Bello Mubarak Salau, whose name was previously listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the APC’s deputy governorship candidate. INEC’s candidate list unveiled in August had identified Danladi-Salihu and Salau as the party’s governorship ticket.
52-Youth Coalition Questions APC’s Decision
The reported substitution has sparked criticism from the 52-Youth Coalition (52-YC), which described the development as unusual.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Bashir Amid, the coalition questioned the decision to field two serving members of the Kwara State House of Assembly as the APC’s governorship and deputy governorship candidates.
The group alleged that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and APC leaders had settled on Danladi-Salihu as the governorship candidate and Oguniyi as his running mate, while another member of the state Assembly would be positioned to become Speaker.
The coalition also raised questions about the selection of serving legislators for the two top executive positions in the state. According to the group, the arrangement has prompted concerns about the executive experience represented on the APC ticket.
The 52-YC further argued that the decision overlooked other qualified indigenes of Kwara State with backgrounds in the private sector, academia and other professional fields.
Group Compares APC and PDP Tickets
The coalition compared the APC’s ticket with that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which it identified as featuring Engr. Kale Kawu as its governorship candidate and Rev. Fawenu as his running mate.
The group urged residents of Kwara State to scrutinise the records, experience and programmes of candidates as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
It called on voters to pay attention to the qualifications and policy proposals of the candidates contesting for political office in the state.
APC Candidate Change Awaits Official Confirmation
Reports published by multiple news outlets have described Oguniyi’s emergence as a replacement for Salau. However, a report by Western Post stated that the Kwara APC chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, had not confirmed or denied the change at the time of publication, saying that a statement would be issued on the matter.
The reported development therefore remains subject to formal confirmation by the party and an updated official candidate record from INEC.
As preparations for the 2027 Kwara State governorship election continue, the change in the APC’s reported running mate is likely to remain a subject of political discussion among party stakeholders and residents.