The youth forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has rejected the outcome of the party’s primary election.
The youth forum, in a statement by its convener, Comrade Ayuba Bako Marufudeen, said it can no longer remain silent in the face of injustice, manipulation, and the subversion of democratic principles within the party in Kwara State.
According to the statement, the APC governorship primary election has left thousands of party faithful deeply disappointed, shocked, and disillusioned.
It noted that what should have been a transparent, credible, and democratic process, unfortunately, turned into an exercise allegedly characterised by imposition, predetermined arrangements, and the suppression of the genuine will of party members.
The forum said: “As youths who have worked tirelessly for the growth, stability, and electoral successes of the APC across all wards and local governments in Kwara State, we categorically reject the outcome of the governorship primary and refuse to accept the announced candidate as the true reflection of the wishes and aspirations of APC members in the state.
“Democracy is built on fairness, participation, transparency, and the collective decision of the people. Democracy cannot survive where the voices of the majority are ignored and where political interests are placed above justice and equity.
“What transpired during the primary election is a direct affront to the democratic values our great party claims to uphold.
“We are gathered here today to send a clear message to the national leadership of our party and all critical stakeholders that the future of the APC in Kwara State cannot and must not be sacrificed on the altar of political manipulation and selfish ambition.
“The youths of Kwara State reject every form of candidate imposition. We reject every arrangement designed to silence the people and deny party members the opportunity to freely choose their preferred candidate.
“Without fear or hesitation, we boldly declare that the most acceptable, most popular, most experienced, and most people-oriented aspirant in this race remains Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari, MFR.
“Ambassador Yahaya Seriki has over the years built enduring relationships across every part of Kwara State through his humility, generosity, humanitarian interventions, grassroots mobilization, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people. His popularity cuts across political, ethnic, religious, and generational divides.
“From the youths to the elders, from market women to community leaders, from students to artisans, the overwhelming support for Ambassador Yahaya Seriki across the state is visible, organic, and undeniable.
“It is therefore unacceptable that such a widely embraced aspirant could be sidelined through a process many party faithful consider questionable and lacking in credibility.
“We want the APC leadership to understand clearly that the strength of any political party lies in the trust and confidence of its members. Once the people lose faith in internal democratic processes, the unity and future of the party become seriously threatened.
“If the APC truly desires victory in the 2027 general elections, then the party must listen to the voice of the people and correct the mistakes arising from this flawed primary exercise.
“Kwara people are politically conscious, enlightened, and courageous. They will resist every attempt to force a candidate upon them against their collective will.
“The party must not ignore the growing anger, disappointment, and frustration among loyal supporters, especially the youths who form the backbone of political mobilization in the state.
“We therefore passionately call on the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress, the Appeal Committee, and all relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene and review the outcome of this governorship primary in the interest of justice, fairness, party unity, and electoral success.
“Anything short of justice at this critical moment will further divide the party, discourage committed supporters, weaken grassroots structures, and create avoidable political consequences that may ultimately benefit the opposition.
“This is not merely about one individual. This is about protecting democracy within our party. This is about respecting the voices of ordinary party members. This is about securing the future of the APC in Kwara State.
“History will remember the decisions taken at this defining moment. The APC must decide whether it stands for democracy, fairness, and popular participation, or whether it will surrender the future of the party to personal interests and political imposition.
“As loyal progressives, we remain committed to the unity and success of our great party, but unity can only thrive where justice prevails.”
