Kwara Politics: AbdulRazaq–Saraki Rift Puts Kale Kawu’s 2027 Ambition on a Tightrope
As the 2027 gubernatorial race begins to take shape in Kwara State, the political future of Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu Agaka, known as Kale Kawu, is increasingly caught in the crossfire of the long-standing rivalry between Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
The traditional titleholder of Dan Iyan Ilorin, Kale Kawu, is a prominent Nigerian electrical engineer and philanthropist.
Politics Digest exclusively gathered that while Kawu is regarded as a heavyweight contender due to his royal lineage and distinguished public service record, there is palpable anxiety within his camp regarding which political platform can successfully midwife his ambition in a state still polarised by the “O To Ge” revolution.
“We so much loved him for his impactful community development, extensive work in rural electrification and significant philanthropic activities in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, that is why we see in him a potential leader not only for Kwara but for Nigeria’s future,” Alaja kubura Baboko, a woman leader in Ilorin Emirate told Politics Digest.
Engr. Kale Kawu, a retired Director in the Federal Public Service, possesses a profile that many analysts describe as “near-perfect” for the Kwara Government House. As the Daniyan of Ilorin, he enjoys deep-rooted traditional legitimacy and is seen as a bridge-builder.
However, his perceived loyalty to the Saraki political dynasty is becoming a double-edged sword. While the “Saraki factor” remains a potent force in Kwara Central, the ongoing rancour between the Governor and the former Senate President has created a “no-man’s land” that Kawu must navigate carefully.
Despite his historical ties to the Saraki camp, a significant section of the electorate in Kwara Central is reportedly mounting pressure on Engr. Kawu to pitch his tent with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The rationale, according to insiders, is based on two factors: the Incumbency Factor of the APC given Governor Abdulrazaq’s grip on the party structure and Internal Fragility of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara and its perceived inability to rebrand itself effectively since the 2019 defeat.
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“There is a growing consensus that for the Daniyan to win, he needs a platform that isn’t fighting for its very survival,” Umar Bolaji, a legal practitioner and APC members told Politics Digest.
“Daniyan is so loved that during his send-off party on retirement, notable political figures, including revered Islamic scholars, top Imams from Ilorin, Abuja and elsewhere, jointly offered him prayers for his future political aspiration.”
Amidst the APC-PDP binary, a new variable has emerged: the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Politics Digest can authoritatively report that the ADC is fast becoming a sanctuary for disgruntled PDP members and “Saraki loyalists” who are wary of the PDP’s current trajectory but are not yet ready to fully embrace the “Abdulrahman-led” APC.
Strategists within the Kawu camp are reportedly weighing the ADC as a “Third Force” option—a move that would mirror the national trend where opposition heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi are rumored to be aligning with the party.
A senior ADC official at the national level, who is also seeking elective office, said the party remains open to new entrants and is committed to providing a fair and competitive environment.
“We welcome anyone from anywhere to join our party, but the rules for entry are clear,” the official said, requesting anonymity.
The real fear among Kawu’s supporters is that any overt association with Saraki might trigger an “anti-Saraki” mobilization by the Governor’s camp, while any move toward the APC might be viewed as a betrayal by the Saraki loyalists.
“Kale Kawu is caught between a rock and a hard place,” a veteran political analyst, Gidado Gobiri noted. “The Governor and Saraki are playing a high-stakes game of chess, and Kawu is currently the most valuable piece on the board. One wrong move could see him checkmated before the primaries even begin.”
As the Daniyan continues his wide-ranging consultations, the coming months will determine if he can successfully decouple his royal appeal from the toxic rivalry of Kwara’s two political titans.
Meanwhile, efforts to reach Kale Kawu for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone remained switched off. His media consultant, Mr Wahab Oba who was reluctant to make any comment, explained that the politician was in Ilorin, observing the mourning of the late Chief Imam Bashir Salihu, who recently passed away after a brief illness.
Full story here: Politics digest
