Political stakeholders in Edu local government of Kwara state has refuted claims that the local government All Progressives Congress (APC( Stakeholders declares support for Alhaja Tajudeen Audu (Makama Lafiagi), noting that the APC in Edu remain resolute in following the direction of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq over the choice of his successor come 2027.
In a statement by Hon. Haruna Likpata, the Development Officer (DO) for Edu Local Government who was also part of the meeting for which outcome was misrepresented in media reports, vehemently denied that Edu APC stakeholders have endorsed Alhaji Tajudeen Makama Lafiagi’s 2027 gubernatorial bid. Likpata warns against the misrepresentation of the meeting held in Ilorin on November 1, 2025, emphasizing that such claims are inaccurate and completely taken out of context.
Addressing recent media reports suggesting that Edu stakeholders have publicly declared support for Makama Lafiagi’s ambition, Likpata clarified that “There is a distinction between wishing someone well and giving official support. The media team of Makama Lafiagi may have misconstrued the expressions of many stakeholders who attended the meeting.” He emphasized that the purpose of the gathering was to discuss party unity, insecurity, and Makama’s declaration to contest, not to endorse his candidacy.
Likpata further explained, “In the meeting, some stakeholders simply expressed goodwill saying ‘all the best’, which clearly does not equate to declaration of support or endorsement. For example, one government appointee openly stated, ‘I cannot support you openly because I have a principal,’” suggesting a nuanced political stance within the party.
He also noted that, “No serious politician would openly declare an ambition and immediately throw support without due consultations. Politics is about interests, and endorsements are not given lightly.” Likpata reaffirmed his loyalty to the administration of Governor Mallam AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, stating, “My loyalty is to the government of His Excellency, and that remains sacrosanct.”
Likpata concluded the statement with a cautionary note to Makama Lafiagi and others aspiring for the governorship, he said “Politicians must be cautious when communicating intentions publicly. Only the true story should be narrated and support must be based on genuine consensus, not misinterpretation or playing claims to premature declaration that never existed in the first instance.”
