A coalition of Christian leaders under the Coalition of Concerned Kwara Christian Stakeholders has intensified calls for the emergence of a Christian governor in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group made its position known during a press conference in Ilorin, urging political actors to prioritise inclusivity and fairness in the state’s leadership.
Speaking at the briefing, the coalition’s spokesperson, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Adegboye, emphasised that the advocacy is rooted in justice, unity, and democratic balance rather than religious bias. He noted that Kwara’s multicultural composition, which includes Yoruba, Nupe, Baruba, Fulani, Igbo, Hausa, Christian, Muslim, and traditional communities, should be reflected in political leadership.
The coalition highlighted the historical imbalance in the state’s governance, pointing out that only one Christian, Chief C. O. Adebayo in 1983, has served as civilian governor, while subsequent administrations have been led by Muslim governors. They cited past leaders, including Alhaji Adamu Attah, Senator Shaaba Lafiagi, Alhaji Mohammed Lawal, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, and the incumbent Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, all Muslims.
Advocating for equal representation and political inclusiveness, the group stressed that the demand for a Christian governor is not a religious campaign but a call for fairness after decades of exclusion. They encouraged stakeholders to ensure that the state’s political landscape reflects its demographic makeup, highlighting the Christian-majority Kwara South Senatorial District as a potential source of leadership.
Reaffirming their commitment to unity and peaceful coexistence, the coalition urged that the Kwara State Government House should represent all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity. Kwara, known as the “State of Harmony,” is culturally diverse, with Islam dominant in Ilorin and a significant Christian minority in the southern regions, including trading hubs like Offa and Patigi.
