Kwara Elders Warn Against Alleged Move to Pressure Traditional Rulers Into Backing Governorship Aspirant
A coalition of elders, professionals, retired administrators, and community stakeholders across Kwara State has cautioned against what it described as attempts to compel traditional rulers to endorse a particular aspirant ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The group, operating under the banner of the Concerned Kwara Leaders of Thought, made its position known in a statement issued on Monday in Ilorin and jointly signed by its Convener, Alhaji Abdullahi M. Nuhu, and Secretary, Chief Ajagbe Moses, JP.
According to the group, credible information available to it suggests that plans are underway to mobilise traditional rulers from across the state to Abuja for visits to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, allegedly aimed at projecting support for a controversial aspirant seeking the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
The elders warned that any attempt to secure endorsements from royal fathers in favour of a particular aspirant, especially amid opposition from several other contenders within the party, could undermine the neutrality and integrity of traditional institutions.
They stressed that traditional rulers have historically served as impartial custodians of culture and symbols of unity, maintaining a position above partisan politics.
“For centuries, our royal fathers have stood as impartial custodians of culture, symbols of unity, and fathers to all Kwarans. By custom, convention, and law, the throne is above the turbulence of partisan contestation,” the statement said.
The group argued that involving traditional institutions in political contests could erode public confidence in the royal stools and weaken their ability to mediate disputes and unite communities across political, religious, and ethnic divides.
Describing the throne as “the conscience of the people,” the coalition maintained that the respect accorded to emirs, obas, and other traditional rulers should not be transferred to political actors.
It further warned that allowing royal fathers to become instruments of political campaigns could set a dangerous precedent for future elections and governments.
The Concerned Kwara Leaders of Thought also cautioned against the use of state resources, logistics, or administrative influence to pressure traditional rulers into taking partisan positions.
According to the group, government support for traditional institutions should be limited to their welfare and security, rather than being deployed for political advantage.
The coalition called on the Kwara State Government, political parties, and governorship aspirants to publicly commit to preserving the non-partisan status of traditional rulers.
It also urged the Kwara State Council of Chiefs to adopt and publish a binding code of conduct reaffirming the neutrality of royal fathers, while calling on the State House of Assembly to consider legislative measures that would shield traditional institutions from political manipulation.
The group appealed to civil society organisations, religious leaders, youth groups, and the media to remain vigilant and report any attempts to draw traditional rulers into partisan politics ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
