The Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in Kwara State, Bolakale Kawu, has officially collected his Certificate of Return from the party’s national leadership ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The presentation took place at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, where party officials, supporters and key stakeholders gathered for the event. The certificate was handed over by the party’s National Chairman, Abdulrahman Muhammed.
A statement issued on Wednesday by Kawu’s Head of Digital Communications and Media, Sa’adat Bibire, described the development as a significant milestone in the PDP’s preparations for the forthcoming election in the state.
Reacting to the development, Kawu said the certificate symbolises the confidence reposed in him by the party and residents of Kwara.
He said, “Today, I officially received my Certificate of Return as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Kwara State Governorship election.”
“This milestone represents the trust of our great party, the support of our people, and a renewed commitment to the journey ahead.”
The PDP candidate thanked the party’s leadership and members for entrusting him with the responsibility of representing the party in the governorship race.
“I am deeply grateful for the confidence placed in me and I remain committed to working with our party, our people, and all stakeholders towards achieving a greater Kwara,” he stated.
Kawu pledged to continue consultations with various groups across the state while pursuing policies aimed at inclusive growth, development and good governance.
“Together, we move forward with renewed hope, unity, and determination to deliver the progress and development our people deserve,” he added.
He further reaffirmed his commitment to the aspirations of Kwarans and commended the party’s nomination process, which he described as free, fair and credible.
In a related development, the PDP criticised the reported involvement of traditional rulers in the political affairs of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The party, through a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, expressed concern over reports that some monarchs were taken to Abuja by APC leaders amid discussions surrounding succession politics within the party.
According to the opposition party, many residents are uneasy about what it sees as the increasing use of traditional institutions for political purposes.
“It is unfortunate that our once highly respected traditional rulers are now being positioned as political campaign managers for a governor who appears desperate to impose a successor on his party and the people of Kwara State,” the statement said.
The PDP maintained that royal fathers should remain neutral and continue serving as custodians of culture, unity and peace.
“These traditional institutions exist to unite, counsel, preserve culture, and promote peace, not to be dragged into partisan political battles. The moment royal fathers are drawn into political contests, the dignity, neutrality, and moral authority of the institution they represent begin to diminish,” it stated.
The party also argued that issues such as insecurity, unemployment and inadequate infrastructure deserve greater attention than political succession debates.
“The people of Kwara expected to see royal fathers leading conversations around security, economic development, education, healthcare, and community welfare. They never expected to see them deployed as emissaries in a partisan battle over who becomes the next governorship candidate of APC,” the statement added.
The PDP called on traditional rulers across the state to maintain the neutrality and integrity associated with their offices as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections intensify.
