Kwara Christians Demand Christian Governor in 2027

Kwara Christians Demand Christian Governor in 2027

Christian leaders and stakeholders in Kwara State, under the banner of the Coalition of Concerned Christian Stakeholders, have intensified calls for major political parties to field a Christian candidate for the 2027 governorship election, emphasizing fairness, inclusivity, and equitable representation.

At a press briefing in Ilorin, coalition spokesperson Rev. Dr. Jonathan Adeboye stressed that the push for a Christian governor is not a religious campaign but a call to ensure that the state’s leadership reflects its diverse demographic and religious composition. “The advocacy for a Christian governor in 2027 is about promoting inclusivity and preventing exclusionary tendencies,” he said.

Rev. Adeboye highlighted that since the return of democratic rule in Kwara State, only one Christian — Chief Cornelius Adebayo, who served briefly in 1983 — has held the governorship. He listed the sequence of past civilian governors to underscore the disparity:

• Alhaji Adamu Attah (1979–1983) – Muslim
• Chief C.O. Adebayo (1983) – Christian
• Sen. Shaaba Lafiagi (1992–1993) – Muslim
• Alhaji Mohammed Lawal (1999–2003) – Muslim
• Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (2003–2011) – Muslim
• Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed (2011–2019) – Muslim
• Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq (2019–present) – Muslim

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“A Christian last served as governor in 1983, over 40 years ago,” Adeboye noted, stressing the importance of balanced political representation in a state comprising Yoruba, Nupe, Baruba, Fulani, Igbo, and Hausa communities, and adherents of Christianity, Islam, and Traditional religions.

The coalition argued that while the preferred candidate may emerge from any senatorial district, priority should be given to Kwara South, which has a significant Christian population. “The Government House belongs to all Kwarans, irrespective of tribe, religion, or minority status. It is our collective responsibility to ensure fairness and inclusivity,” Adeboye said.

The group also clarified that the demand is not intended to fuel sectarian politics, but to ensure that all communities feel represented in the state’s highest office. Other civil society groups, including the Kwara Inclusion Advocates, have echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing equitable leadership, political stability, and social cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Analysts note that the coalition’s call reflects broader discussions around merit, competence, and diversity in candidate selection, underlining the need for political parties to consider religious and regional representation when nominating governorship candidates.

As Kwara State prepares for the 2027 elections, the call for a Christian governorship candidate is expected to shape political discourse and influence party strategies in the coming months.

Kwara Christians Demand Christian Governor in 2027