The Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, has bestowed royal blessings on the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State.
This visit came shortly after the Emir announced the appointment of Sheikh Bashir Dasuki as the 13th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate, a development that has attracted widespread commendation within and outside the state.
The monarch offered his prayers and goodwill yesterday during a courtesy visit by the state Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, and the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Danladi-Salihu, to his palace in Ilorin.
During the visit, Abdulrazaq congratulated the Emir on the appointment of the new Chief Imam, describing the decision as a wise choice for the spiritual growth and stability of the emirate.
The governor prayed for Allah’s guidance, protection, and blessings upon Sheikh Dasuki, asking for a long life and good health for him as he assumes the important religious responsibility.
Abdulrazaq also formally presented Danladi-Salihu to the Emir as the APC’s governorship candidate for the next election cycle, seeking the monarch’s prayers and support.
In response, the Emir offered royal blessings to the APC flagbearer and wished him success in the forthcoming governorship race.
The palace meeting has generated political interest across the state, with many observers interpreting the governor’s action as a significant step in consolidating support for his preferred successor.
As gathered, the presentation of the Speaker to the Emir was not only aimed at securing traditional blessings but also at strengthening grassroots acceptance and reinforcing the message of continuity in governance under the ruling APC administration.
Danladi-Salihu, who has served as Speaker of the State House of Assembly, is widely regarded as one of the key figures within the state’s political structure and is expected to play a prominent role in the APC’s succession strategy.
The Emir’s blessing is seen as a morale booster for the candidate as political activities gradually begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
The visit was attended by government officials, political associates, and palace chiefs, who joined the governor and the APC governorship candidate during the engagement.
With the ruling party already positioning itself for the next electoral cycle, the palace visit is being viewed as an early indication of the APC’s determination to retain power in Kwara State and sustain the policies and programmes of the Abdulrazaq administration beyond 2027.