The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, is reportedly preparing to join the race for the Kwara State governorship ahead of the 2027 elections.
Although the All Progressives Congress chieftain has yet to formally declare his ambition, sources familiar with the development said he is currently engaging in consultations with key stakeholders across the state.
According to insiders who spoke with The Cable, Issa-Onilu is holding “fervent consultations” before officially declaring his interest in the governorship contest.
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Based on the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties are expected to conduct primaries for various elective offices between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
Several prominent figures within the APC are said to be eyeing the governorship seat, including Senators Lola Ashiru, Saliu Mustapha and Suleiman Sodiq Umar, as well as the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.
However, political stakeholders in Kwara are said to be favourably disposed to the possibility of Issa-Onilu succeeding the incumbent governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Sources familiar with the political calculations in the state said he is regarded by many within the party establishment as capable of continuing efforts to reposition the state.
An insider told TheCable that Issa-Onilu is viewed as a politician with the “experience, solid understanding of the political evolution of the state, high dosage of progressivism, extensive network and clout” required to lead the state.
The source said, “His entry has reshaped the ongoing conversation on the succession game in Kwara. Onilu is a heavyweight within the ranks of the APC.
“Feelers are that his candidacy is easily sellable as he possesses wide appeal within the party structure and across tendencies, and also boasts requisite leadership skills.”
Another stakeholder in the state’s political circle described Issa-Onilu as a unifying figure capable of connecting different political generations.
“With Lanre Issa-Onilu, many stakeholders believe Kwara is buying one and getting many for free. He is an all-rounder: a deep thinker, strategist and problem solver, a reformer and performer,” the source said.
His experience in party administration and consensus-building is also believed to strengthen his chances ahead of the APC governorship primaries.
Issa-Onilu was appointed Director-General of the National Orientation Agency in October 2023 after serving as the National Publicity Secretary of the APC.
Before joining partisan politics, he spent more than 25 years working as a journalist, communications strategist and public relations expert.
He previously worked with The Comet and ThisDay, where he served as Group Politics Editor.
Since assuming office at the NOA, Issa-Onilu has received commendations for initiatives aimed at improving staff morale, digitalising operations and simplifying government policies through explanatory publications.
In 2024, he also led the conceptualisation of CLHEEAN, an artificial intelligence-powered voice assistant designed to provide citizens with access to information about government policies, programmes and opportunities. See more..
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