The Case Against Zoning: Why Kwara Deserves Competence, Not ‘Entitlement or Sympathy’ Leadership

By Adio Odunjo Obbo-Ile

In recent days, the clamour for Kwara North senatorial district to produce the next governor of Kwara has become a dominant narrative in Kwara’s political discourse. While such calls aim to promote equity, a closer look reveals a troubling hypocrisy, particularly from certain stakeholders in Kwara South. Beneath the facade of support for Kwara North lies a blend of political mischief, personal ambition, and outright negligence toward the pressing issues facing their constituents.

It’s no secret that Kwara North had its opportunity in the political spotlight during the 2023 elections. However, what followed was a display of internal discord and political short-sightedness. Instead of using the opportunity to advance the region’s collective interests, political leaders from the axis fragmented, betraying their agenda and undermining their credibility. How then can Kwara South leaders now stand as the chief proponents of a Kwara North agenda for 2027 when it’s evident that the region failed to deliver unity and focus when it mattered most?

Who are these so-called stakeholders in Kwara South advocating for Kwara North’s gubernatorial ambition? What drives their enthusiasm? Is it truly a commitment to equity, or are they driven by personal political calculations? Some of these figures have glaringly failed to address governance and inclusivity issues in Kwara South. Instead of tackling challenges affecting the senatorial district, such as poor infrastructure, insecurity, unemployment, and youth disenfranchisement, they have diverted their energy into championing a cause that serves no immediate benefit to their constituency.

Speculations are rife that a certain lawmaker from Kwara South is discreetly lobbying influential figures in Lagos to position himself as a potential gubernatorial candidate in 2027. This individual, whose hold on his current ticket remains uncertain, appears to be crafting a political narrative based on manipulation rather than genuine intent. Such duplicity raises a critical question: who is fooling who?

Instead of organising summits and issuing hollow communiqués in advocating for Kwara North agenda, the concerned Kwara South stakeholders should address the tangible needs of their people. Roads remain dilapidated, schools underfunded, and healthcare facilities neglected. These are the pressing issues that demand attention not a politically convenient alliance with Kwara North that lacks sincerity or direction.

It is gratifying to see that a number of youth groups and individuals have come out to reject and dissociate themselves from the planned Kwara South summit for Kwara North agenda. This is show to such sycophantic and self-serving gathering does not enjoy popular support in Kwara South. By the way, why should Kwara South be subjected to advance the cause of another region? Who says Kwara South cannot also fight to produce the next governor of the state ? If Kwara Central could be jostling to retain the governorship seat, what stops Kwara South from vying for the seat as well?

It is important to point out that elections into leadership positions should be determined by competence, track record, and the ability to lead, not by zoning. Why, then, should Kwara be different? Kwara’s future should not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. Political parties should therefore ensure that their governorship candidates are selected based on merit and antecedents, not the entitlement of any region. Credible candidates from across the three senatorial districts who wish to succeed the incumbent should be allowed to contest and not be disenfranchised to satisfy the entitlement of a particular region.

Kwarans are more politically aware than ever before. The electorate will no longer be swayed by empty promises or backdoor deals. We demand candidates with credibility, vision and the capacity to deliver. Does Kwara North currently have such a candidate? If yes, let them come out and market themselves. If not, the focus should be on nurturing capable leaders, not enforcing an agenda that risks alienating voters and perpetuating mediocrity.

While equity and fairness are noble ideals, Kwara Southerners should not be weaponized to advance the selfish ambitions of certain individuals or be distracted from the pressing governance challenges facing the region.

The 2027 governorship election must be about readiness, competence, and the genuine desire to serve all Kwarans, not zoning or regional entitlement. The people of Kwara deserve nothing less than visionary leadership, free from the shackles of political hypocrisy. Kwarans cannot afford to have another accidental governor at the Ahmadu Bello Way.