Elders Forum of the Kwara North Senatorial District in the All Progressives Congress says it is now the turn of the zone to produce the next governor in the state.
The elders made this known at a news conference addressed by one of the leaders, Senator Mohammed Ahmed, in his house in Ilorin on Thursday.
Ahmed lamented that since the return to civilian rule in Nigeria, Kwara North has not produce a governor, whereas, Kwara Central occupied the position for 12 years and South will be eight years by 2019.
He said: “The most important issue this forum has been pursuing vigorously is the demand for a shift of power in the State to Kwara North, which is yet to produce a Governor since the return to civilian rule in 1999, almost 20 years ago.”
The elders expressed their concern over the high number of aspirants that have signified their governorship ambition from Kwara Central having done three terms in the Government House.
Ahmed said: “The present cream of aspirants flooding the stage for governorship from Kwara Central is worrisome as it tends to make a mockery of our collective desire for order, fairness and justice.”
Ahmed expressed confidence in the caliber and qualities of governorship aspirants from Kwara North, adding that whoever emerged would be worthy of the position.
He said: “In spite of everything, we believe that based on good conscience, equality, fairness and justice, the governorship slot of Kwara State should shift to Kwara North in 2019.
“We have not kept quiet on this issue since the election of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for second term.”
Ahmed said Kwara North Senatorial District, made up of Baruten, Edu, Kaiama, Moro and Patigi with a combined population of 751, 903 representing 31 per cent of the state population of 2, 365, 353 as per 2006 census figures.
The elders lamented that the district has remained undeveloped and neglected by successive administration since 1999.
He said: “Almost 20 years in our new uninterrupted democracy, the economic indices coming out of Kwara North present a sad scenario of under-development.
“The roads are bad, water supply to the rural populace is scarce, and education, especially at the primary level is very appalling, health care is very far from the people.
“Youths are unemployed and the farmers are not getting value for their labour. On all fronts, Kwara North is hopelessly disadvantaged.”
He noted that Kwara North has since colonial times, demonstrated robust brotherhood and partnership with the rest of the state.
He said: “We were at all times supportive of those who were at the helm of affairs in the state.
“It is expected that at the minimum, the good gesture from the good people of Kwara North should be reciprocated now that it is only Kwara North that is yet to produce a Governor for the State.”
The elders called on the people in Kwara Central and Kwara South to support them in ensuring that the next governor comes from the zone.
Ahmed said: “We urge all political parties to adopt this position and present governorship candidates only from Kwara North.”