ILORIN, Nigeria (AP), A striking political claim emerged in Kwara State on Monday when Abdulrasheed Akogun, an aspirant for the Share/Oke‑Ode constituency seat in the State House of Assembly, declared that the opposition in the state was “dead.” His remarks came after participating in the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening exercise, where no fewer than 158 aspirants are vying for tickets across 24 constituencies ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The consolidation of APC’s dominance in Kwara under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Analysts say the sheer number of aspirants signals confidence in the ruling party’s machinery and underscores the governor’s popularity, but also raises questions about the health of multiparty democracy in the state.
“This is a clear pointer to the purposeful leadership of Governor AbdulRazaq,” Akogun said, praising the screening process as seamless and credible. He argued that securing the APC ticket already gives aspirants “an 80 percent advantage” in the polls.
Political observers caution against taking such claims at face value. “While APC’s strength in Kwara is undeniable, declaring the opposition dead is premature,” said Dr. Ayo Olukotun, a Nigerian political analyst. “Opposition parties often regroup closer to elections, and internal party rivalries can weaken ruling parties unexpectedly.”
Contrarian perspectives also highlight risks within APC itself. With 158 aspirants competing for limited tickets, intra‑party tensions could fracture unity. “High numbers of aspirants are not always a sign of strength,” noted Professor Zainab Musa of the University of Ilorin. “They can lead to bitter primaries, defections, and voter fatigue.”
Broadening the lens, Kwara’s political dynamics mirror wider trends in Africa where ruling parties often dominate state politics, raising concerns about democratic competition. International observers point out that Nigeria’s 2027 elections will be closely watched for signs of political pluralism, especially as the country remains a bellwether for West Africa’s democratic health.
As Nigeria prepares for another pivotal election cycle, Kwara’s crowded APC field and bold declarations of opposition irrelevance highlight both the vibrancy and fragility of its democracy. In a state where one party claims near‑total dominance, the real test will be whether political competition survives beyond the ruling party’s shadow.
