Kwara’s Future Bigger Than the Narrow Ambitions of a Few — Reply to Governor – Stakeholders’ Meeting Critics.

Ilorin, Kwara State – December 21, 2025. By Bisi Kristien

In a strongly worded opinion piece circulating online, political commentator Bisi Kristien has defended Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq against allegations of a “hidden third-term agenda,” asserting that the state’s progress under his leadership should not be derailed by opportunistic critics tied to the defunct Saraki political dynasty.

Kristien’s piece, titled “*ABDULRAHMAN HOLDS THE MANDATE TO DELIVER KWARA TO THE APC IN 2027 — A RESPONSIBILITY HE EARNED AS THE LEGITIMATELY LEADER OF PARTY STAKEHOLDERS*,” responds directly to a recent article questioning the motives behind a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the governor. He argues that Kwarans’ rejection of the Saraki era in the 2019 “Otoge” movement was a deliberate choice for development, not an invitation for new forms of political capture.

“Kwarans did not vote out the dynasty in 2019 out of sympathy for opposition figures driven by narrow personal interests, but out of a collective resolve to reposition the state for progress,” Kristien wrote. He highlighted achievements such as the increase in the minimum wage from ₦18,000 to ₦90,000, extensive road construction, and improvements in health and education sectors as evidence of the administration’s success.

The commentator dismissed discontent as limited to “remnants of the Ile Arugbo political structure” and a few actors seeking personal gain, emphasizing that ordinary citizens desire continuity rather than a reversal to past politics. “Kwara citizens are neither yearning for a return to the politics of Ile Arugbo nor aligning with politicians desperate to appropriate the state for personal gain,” he stated.

Kristien further underscored Governor Abdulrazaq’s legitimacy, noting his victories in both the 2019 and 2023 elections against coalitions including the Saraki dynasty and disaffected allies. He views the stakeholders’ meetings not as evidence of ulterior motives but as essential for ensuring a smooth transition to a successor who will build on current gains.

While acknowledging ongoing reconciliation efforts within the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by the governor and national party leadership, Kristien urged party faithful to rally behind Abdulrazaq. “I wish the Kwara APC stakeholders a successful meeting and urge all party faithful to rally behind Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq to ensure a smooth transition to a government that will consolidate gains and not reverse the progress Kwara has made,” he concluded.

The opinion piece has sparked discussions on social media, with supporters praising it as a timely defense of the governor’s record, while critics argue it overlooks internal party tensions ahead of the 2027 elections. As Kwara continues its developmental path, the debate highlights the ongoing struggle between legacy politics and forward-looking governance in the state.