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From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar has reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, even as he kept silent on the political situation within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State which has seen the departure of Big wigs front its fold notably Kwara Central Lawmaker Senator Saliu Mustapha.
Umar, a two-term senator and former APC governorship aspirant in the recently concluded state primaries, made his position known during a homecoming meeting held at his hometown Kaiama on Sunday in Kaiama Local Government Area, where thousands of supporters and community members gathered to receive him amid cheers and solidarity.
The visit provided an opportunity for the senator to reconnect with his constituents, appreciate them for their continued support and solidarity, and engage them on current political developments as the country gradually moves towards the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during the engagement, Umar said he remained grateful to the people of Kaiama for their steadfast support, while reiterating his commitment to progressive politics, good governance and development.
“I’m using this opportunity to engage with you people on current political developments and the road ahead as we gradually move towards the 2027 general elections.
“I reaffirm my unwavering support for the policies and programmes of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and reiterate my commitment to supporting the President’s re-election bid in 2027,” he said.
The senator’s decision to openly reaffirm his support for Tinubu is significant against the backdrop of the deepening political crisis within the Kwara APC and growing disagreements over the party’s 2027 governorship primary.
Umar had contested the APC governorship ticket but eventually stepped aside from the race, paving the way for the emergence of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Salihu Yahaya Danladi, as the party’s candidate.
The outcome of the primary has continued to generate controversy, with several aspirants and party stakeholders accusing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of manipulating the process and imposing his preferred candidates across other National and state assembly positions.
Umar also lost the opportunity to return to the Senate as he is currently serving his second term as the representative of Kwara North.
Despite his political setbacks within the APC, his latest engagement with his people and his explicit endorsement of Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid suggest that his political position at the national level remains distinct from the internal battle over the APC governorship ticket in Kwara.
Notably, Umar did not publicly endorse or condemn Danladi-Salihu during his interaction with supporters.
Umar Visits Rescued Woro Kidnap Victims
Earlier, Senator Umar visited the rescued Woro kidnap victims currently receiving medical and other care in Ilorin, where he expressed solidarity with the victims and their families following their safe release.
During the visit, the senator commended President Tinubu, the Kwara State Government and security agencies for their concerted efforts which contributed to the successful rescue of the victims.
He particularly commended members of the affected community for their patience and perseverance during the difficult period, while also applauding the courage, gallantry and professionalism of the security forces.
Umar urged security personnel to sustain their efforts towards protecting lives and property across the state.
He also expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the safe return of the victims and prayed for their full recovery, healing and lasting peace for their families.
The senator stressed the need for sustained collaboration between the Federal Government, the state government, security agencies and local communities in tackling insecurity and ensuring the safety of residents.
Umar’s latest activities come amid a major realignment within the Kwara political landscape following the resignation of Senator Saliu Mustapha from the APC and his decision to contest the 2027 Kwara Central Senatorial election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Mustapha, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, announced his resignation after extensive consultations with political stakeholders, supporters and constituents.
His defection has further exposed the divisions within the Kwara APC following the controversial governorship primary.
Another prominent APC member from Patigi Local Government Area, Hon. Kolo Jiya, has also defected to the PDP and is reportedly positioning himself for the party’s ticket in the Kwara North Senatorial District.
The defections followed earlier opposition by 10 APC governorship aspirants who rejected the emergence of Danladi-Salihu, alleging that the process was designed to favour the governor’s preferred candidate.
Mustapha subsequently explained that the political coalition behind his defection included members of the G15, Otoge Progressives (TOP) and the elders’ caucus.
He listed Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe, Dele Belgore (SAN), Senator Lola Ashiru and Senator Sadiq Umar among those associated with the coalition.
According to Mustapha, the coalition chose the PDP as a platform for challenging the APC structure in Kwara while maintaining support for President Tinubu at the national level.
The developments have heightened uncertainty within the Kwara APC as the party struggles to contain internal disagreements and prevent further defections ahead of the 2027 elections.
Against this backdrop, Senator Sadiq Umar’s latest public engagement assumes particular political significance. While he has remained measured on the APC’s governorship dispute, his renewed mobilisation among his people and unequivocal commitment to Tinubu’s re-election indicate that he remains an important political figure to watch as the realignment ahead of 2027 intensifies.
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