The drums of 2027 are already resonating throughout Nigeria’s political arena, and in Kwara State, affectionately referred to as the State of Harmony, these sounds are increasingly resembling warnings rather than celebrations. A formidable coalition of citizens, both locally and in the Diaspora, has raised a significant alarm: the escalating political exclusion in Kwara is swiftly becoming a menace to the state’s unity, stability, and enduring peace.
This coalition, identified as the Kwara Inclusion Advocates (KIA), encompasses Kwarans from a broad social spectrum: youths, professionals, activists, and a notably vocal Diaspora community in the United States. Under the leadership of Fola Abiodun Adekeye and legal expert Tunji Adeyemi, the group conveyed its message during a virtual media conference in Lagos, sounding the alarm with remarkable urgency.
Their primary concern? A perilous political trend that, if not addressed, could jeopardize the very essence of Kwara’s identity.
“Kwara remains one of Nigeria’s most diverse and cosmopolitan states,” Adekeye emphasized, “yet recent political leadership has not mirrored this diversity. The disparity is expanding, and it is neither healthy nor sustainable.”
For KIA, exclusion is no longer a mere accident, it has become systemic. When exclusion is intentional, it evolves into a tool that can exacerbate mistrust, tension, and ultimately insecurity.
This cautionary message emerges amidst international scrutiny. The coalition disclosed that numerous members of its Diaspora have been monitoring U.S. Congressional discussions regarding the escalating insecurity in the Middle Belt, including Kwara. Their apprehension is that if Kwara persists on this trajectory where only a limited political elite wields power the state may soon find itself entangled in the broader regional instability that has afflicted neighboring states. The coalition also referenced a recently viral commentary by esteemed politician and attorney Chief Iyiola Oyedepo.
In his critique, Oyedepo highlighted the use of religion as a political instrument in Kwara, a claim that quickly ignited a vigorous debate. However, for KIA, the message was unequivocal: Kwara cannot risk a future where political authority is bartered for religious sentiment.
Further intensifying the national discourse is the renewed push for a Christian governor in Kwara for the 2027 elections. Although some have attempted to dismiss this movement as merely a religious initiative, KIA maintains that the overarching message is philosophical rather than sectarian.
“This debate signifies a deeper yearning for equity and balance,” the group contended. “It pertains to a political culture that reflects the multi-ethnic, multi-faith character of the state.”
In a period when Nigeria grapples with issues of marginalization and identity-driven politics, KIA cautioned that Kwara must exercise extreme vigilance. They asserted that any political miscalculation could reinforce harmful perceptions both domestically and internationally, which exacerbate division.
The coalition did not limit itself to issuing warnings. They urged media professionals reporters, editors, and commentators to maintain public discourse on representation, equity, and responsible leadership as the 2027 elections approach.
The message from KIA is clear and impactful: If Kwara is genuinely the State of Harmony, then its political landscape must embody harmony rather than hegemony.
