KWARA APC GUBERNATORIAL FLAGBEARER: Distinguished Senator Mustapha Saliu Stands Out –

KWARA APC GUBERNATORIAL FLAGBEARER: Distinguished Senator Mustapha Saliu Stands Out – Comrade EKUNDAYO, O. Oluwasegun

The unsettled dust of the controversal,  widely contested and generally condemned  APC Governorship primaries in Kwara state is not yet over, as the emergence of a grassroots candidate and the people’s voice is yet to be announced. The Obanikoro biased and hurriedly announced a 'choice candidate' has not only polarised the party in Kwara state  but has deepned and opened up many issues which may affect the overall interest of the party’s victory come 2027 general elections in the North Central State. 

Two factions, the Big ten aspirants came up with resolution to the crisis, that the President should pick anyone from them and they will rally round the candidature  of the person, as opposed to the Governor's handpicked candidate. 

Let me say from onset that all the ten aspirants are eminently qualified to  fly the party's Gubernatorial flag. But do they all have the geographical spread and acceptability across the state? The answer is NO! 

As an outsider resident in Kwara State and as one who had once plied my trade and political activities in Kwara Central, specifically Magaji Are Ward 2, I can say that, if the purpose is to win in 2027 and have the needed touch with the people, then Distinguished Senator  Mustapha Saliu is the only candidate, because of his positive antecedents and contribition in education, agriculture, commercial, local industry empowerments. 

Here is a man who does not discriminate on the basis of state, religion, social status. A man whose hands and arms are opened to all and sundry deserves this seat for the good of the party  in Nigeria.  

Even at the home front where the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum comes from — it is clear that DSSM has all it takes to carry on the toga of collectiveness in the State for electoral victory of the party in the state.

Going into political spread and reach, this man is one that has no doubt cut across the state and is very much connected to the locals. He is responsive and resposible on issues and has stood with all the Senatorial zones even in time of their low, and what have you. He has carried his goodness and listening ears beyond Kwara Central.

Distinguished Senator Mustapha Saliu’s skill in resolving issues is another factor needed to unite Kwarans for the goodness of our party, the State, and for developmental issues which kept the society progressing.

As a strong philanthropist of repute that predates his election as a Senator coupled with his humility, cheer giving disposition,  dynamic, responsive economic manager, Distinguished Saliu Mustapha is no doubt fit to  manage the affairs of the state and sail it aright.

If votes would count, if the party’s interests will prevail, if the people must have a say, then DSSM is the key. If APC Governors must maintain the numbers it is currently branding or increase it, then it should be the people’s votes’ magnet-man, DSSM.

Aside from the fact that Kwara Central is a very apt factor in Kwara votes, the rallying point matters. And as such, a man not known to be controversial or involved in any faction is the one to beam the search light on. This is the fact of the matter when it comes to harvesting all the party has and meeting the people at the poll to produce the next Governor in the State.

Another critical issue that must be taken cognizance of is the issue of the opposition, which is riding high on a daily basis in the State. This needs to be checked technically. Without mincing words, Distinguished Senator Saliu Mustapha is the man that can attract majority of votes from the opposition and still muzzle in the party’s followers.

He also has the capacity to bring all aspirants together for a united electoral struggle for the survival of the soul of APC which the state Governor couldn't do uphill now. We also need to know that if a popular candidate does not emerge from the ongoing party challenge, it can have effect on the number of President vote, bearing in mind ONE SINGLE VOTE COUNTS

 Let it be noted that l have never met DSSM one on one, neither have we communicated through a third party, but his collective goodwill across the state speaks volumes. 

In a nutshell, going by all indices politically needed for a resounding electoral victory in Kwara State, the name, face, touch, voice and impression required is DISTINGUISHED SENATOR MUSTAPHA SALIU, the Turaki of Ilorin.