Frontline aspirant, Engr. Femi Sanni, popularly known as Araba, on Tuesday submitted his letter of intent to contest for the governorship of Kwara State at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Ilorin.
With the move, Araba joins other aspirants who have formally indicated interest in the 2027 governorship race under the APC banner.
Speaking shortly after submitting his letter, Araba said his ambition is driven by a desire to unite the party and build on existing achievements.
“I am not running for governor to retire some people, neither am I running to witch-hunt anyone,” he said. “I am a bridge builder. I am here to unify all interests within the party and the state at large.”
He added that his administration, if elected, would consolidate on the achievements of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
“Even more importantly, we need to consolidate on what Governor AbdulRazaq has done for Kwara,” he stated, expressing confidence that he will emerge governor in 2027.
Responding, the APC State Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, described Araba as a core member of the party and acknowledged his contributions to its growth in the state.
“I remember when we all started; it was in your house,” Fagbemi said. “You laid the foundation the APC is enjoying in the state today. Let nobody discourage you. It is within your right to aspire to be governor after what you have done.”
The submission of the letter of intent marks a significant step in Araba’s formal entry into the contest as the party prepares for primaries ahead of the 2027 general election.
Youths from the 5 Local Government Areas of Kwara North Senatorial District have formally declared their support for the gubernatorial aspiration of Engr. Femi Sanni, widely known as Araba.
The declaration took place at the Nupe Emirate Council meeting point, where a convergence of young people from Edu, Moro, Kaiama, Baruten, and Patigi Local Government Areas gathered to express a unified position in favour of the aspirant.
Addressing newsmen on behalf of the gathering, Comrade Abdulrahman Alfa from Patigi Local Government said the endorsement followed extensive consultations among youth groups across the district.
He cited Araba’s competence, longstanding commitment to youth development, and progressive vision for Kwara State as key reasons for their decision.
“We believe Engr. Femi Sanni possesses the capacity to provide purposeful and inclusive leadership for Kwara State,” Alfa stated. “Our support is driven by the conviction that our state requires experienced, people-centered leadership that truly understands the needs of youths and communities across all senatorial districts.”
The event drew participants from across the five LGAs, with attendees reaffirming their resolve to rally behind the aspirant as the 2027 gubernatorial race gathers momentum.
…APC leaders cite grassroots strength, economic vision as reasons for backing Araba
Stakeholders in Irepodun Local Government have endorsed Engr. Femi “Araba” Sanni for the 2027 Kwara governorship race.
The endorsement was made at a meeting in Ajase-Ipo attended by party leaders and grassroots mobilisers, including former APC State Secretary, Bode Adekanye, and former Commissioner for Finance, Abel Adewumi.
Adekanye said the group backed Sanni for his “consistency and grassroots connection,” while Adewumi described him as “well-positioned to drive economic growth and fiscal discipline.”
Responding, Sanni thanked the stakeholders, calling them “pillars of Kwara’s political development.”
“I am honoured by your support. Our focus will be policies that grow the economy, support businesses, and create jobs for our people,” he said.
He added that his vision centres on inclusive growth, SME development, and strengthening the state’s economic base.
The stakeholders pledged to mobilise wider support ahead of the party primaries.
Veteran actor Pa Ajirebi, broadcaster Dankazeem, and other creative industry leaders throw weight behind aspirant at packed O2 Arena event, citing his philanthropy, vision, and track record.
The gubernatorial bid of Engr. Femi Sanni (Araba) received a massive boost on Thursday as the creative industry in Kwara State, under the aegis of Kwara Entertainers formally endorsed his aspiration for the 2027 governorship race.
The endorsement event, held at the O2 Arena Event Center along Ajase-Ipo Road, Ilorin and covered by 9japarrot media was a vibrant blend of political mobilization and cultural showcase, drawing a massive crowd of veteran and contemporary entertainers, party loyalists, and supporters.
During the event Stakeholders in their respective goodwill messages commended the gubernatorial aspirant for his philanthropic gestures and community development over the years acknowledging that vying for the revered gubernatorial seat wouldn’t be a much task to achieve because his good antecedents would speak for him.
The major highlight of the event was the testimonial from the legendary Nigerian comic actor and filmmaker, Kayode Olasehinde Ajirebi (Pa Ajirebi.
Speaking with conviction in his goodwill message, the veteran actor expressed total optimism in the Araba 2027 project.
“I have never supported a loser in my life. I am glad I was part of those who contributed to the success of the current Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq”. He said.
“The Araba 2027 task is another success story on the way,” Pa Ajirebi added while commending him for the support he has rendered to the industry over the years.
Renowned Broadcaster, Alhaji Abdulfatai Adeniyi Dankazeem in his remarks delivered a stirring goodwill message characterising Araba as the best bet for Kwarans.
He attributed industrial and people’s success to the aspirant, noting that his vision for a better Kwara under him is a done deal tying his success story as the first person in Africa with a creativity to established a phone repair company employing thousands of young people.
On his part Isiaq Olubisi Awopegba, an ace dramatist, added that Kwarans need a leader who understands the role of the creative economy and that’s no any other person than Engr Femi Sanni.
Adding to the discourse, Alhaji Sulaiman Akinkanju offered prayers and solidarity on behalf of the traditional performers, urging all Entertainers to rally round the aspirations of the Aspirant.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Convener of the event, Mr. Funsho Aliyu explained that the entertainers chose to back Engr. Sanni because of his track record as a professional and his vision for a modern, industrialized Kwara.
Urging all participants to take the message to their various constituency canvassing support towards the actualization of Araba 2027 project.
The venue was filled to capacity, with supporters spilling out into the surrounding areas. The event featured various cultural interludes, highlighting the rich heritage of Kwara State and the creative community’s dedication to the Araba movement.
Engr. Femi Sanni, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (FNICE) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) is being positioned by his supporters as a technocrat with a heart for the people, capable of building on the infrastructural legacy of the current administration.
The endorsement by the entertainers is seen as a strategic move to tap into the influential power of the creative sector as the race to succeed Governor AbdulRazaq intensifies.
…Cites Aspirant’s Policy Proposals on State Policing, Power, Economic Growth
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State, a prominent youth advocacy group, Kwara Youth for Good Governance, has again declared its unwavering support for governorship aspirant, Engr. Femi Sanni popularly known as Araba, following a strategic engagement held in Ilorin.
The earlier endorsement signals new alignment among youth stakeholders in Kwara State, with the group describing Femi Sanni’s agenda as practical, people oriented, and reflective of the aspirations of young people across the state.
Speaking after the meeting, a representative of the group, Abdulrahman from Patigi Local Government Area, said the decision to back Araba was driven by his clarity of purpose and commitment to addressing key challenges facing Kwara.
During the engagement, Femi Sanni stated that critical policy directions of the president, placing strong emphasis on the need for state policing as a solution to rising security concerns at the grassroots level.
According to Femi Sanni, a decentralized security framework would enhance intelligence gathering, enable faster response to threats, and better address community specific challenges across Kwara State.
He also praised the president’s reforms in the power sector, stressing that the decentralization would unlock economic opportunities, particularly for small and medium scale enterprises. Femi Sanni noted that improved electricity supply would not only boost business productivity but also create jobs and raise living standards in Kwara State, adding that reliable power remains central to industrial growth and innovation.
On governance, the aspirant reiterated his commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, assuring that his administration would continue to create platforms for meaningful youth engagement and broader stakeholder participation in decision making. He emphasized that sustainable development in Kwara State can only be achieved when governance reflects the voices of the people.
In a further push to drive economic growth, Femi Sanni unveiled plans to position Kwara as a “Conference hub State,” a vision aimed at attracting national and international events to the state by riding on the great work started by Governor Abdulrahman in the area of infrastructure. He explained that such an initiative would boost tourism, stimulate local businesses, and significantly increase internally generated revenue.
The Kwara Youth for Good Governance group subsequently pledged to mobilize grassroots support for Engr. Femi Sanni across all 16 local government areas, reinforcing the growing role of young voters in the build-up to the Kwara 2027 governorship race. The group also called on Kwarans, particularly the youth, to rally behind leadership anchored on competence, integrity, and a genuine commitment to development.
With the 2027 elections drawing closer, political observers note that endorsements from youth driven organizations would play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the Kwara governorship contest.
…Progressive Women Initiative highlights youth empowerment, inclusive growth as key reasons
A women-led political advocacy group, the Progressive Women Initiative (PWI), has thrown its weight behind Engr. Femi Sanni, popularly known as “Araba,” as its preferred aspirant for the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The endorsement was formally announced on Tuesday in Ilorin during a well-attended gathering of women drawn from various local government areas across the state, signaling what observers describe as an early political alignment ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Speaking at the event, PWI President, Mrs Grace Adeoti, said the group’s decision followed extensive consultations and was anchored on the urgent need for a visionary, compassionate and people-oriented leader capable of repositioning Kwara as a thriving commercial hub.
More Afrika Eyes News Kwara Gov Donates 1,000 Life Jackets To Patigi For Safer Water Travel “We are endorsing Sanni because we need a leader who understands the aspirations of the people and possesses the capacity to move the state forward,” Adeoti declared.
She described the APC aspirant as a philanthropist with a verifiable track record of empowering young people and promoting self-reliance through various community-based initiatives.
According to her, such qualities are essential for driving inclusive growth and sustainable development in the state.
Adeoti further emphasised the strategic importance of women in shaping electoral outcomes, noting that their collective voice often determines the success or failure of candidates at the polls.
“Women remain a decisive force during elections, and their participation is crucial. We also advocate fair opportunities for women in politics,” she added.
The PWI leader also used the platform to call on residents of Kwara to adopt a more informed and critical approach when making electoral decisions, warning against blind loyalty and political sentiment.
“Voters must not follow blindly. They should examine the background, achievements and impact of those seeking public office before offering support,” she said.
Highlighting key expectations from the 2027 race, Adeoti expressed confidence that if given the mandate, Sanni would prioritize balanced development across all local government areas, with a strong emphasis on agriculture, economic diversification and youth empowerment.
She maintained that Kwara possesses vast untapped resources and strategic advantages that, if properly harnessed under capable leadership, could transform the state into one of Nigeria’s leading commercial centres.
“With the right leadership, Kwara can achieve greater heights and emerge as a hub of development,” Adeoti added.
In a move that has sent ripples through the political landscape of the “State of Harmony,” the youth demographic of Kwara State has made a definitive stand regarding the future of both the state and the nation.
Under the organized banner of the Kwara Youth for Good Governance, representatives from all 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have formally declared their unwavering support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the gubernatorial candidacy of Engr. Femi Sanni, affectionately known by his supporters as “Araba.”
The declaration, contained in a detailed communiqué issued on Friday, marks a significant shift in local political dynamics. It suggests a strategic alignment between the youth’s vision for federal continuity and a fresh, technocratic approach to state leadership.
The communiqué follows weeks of what the group described as “extensive grassroots consultations, town hall assessments, and rigorous internal debates.”
From the northern reaches of Baruten and Kaiama to the industrial hubs of Offa and the capital in Ilorin, the message from the youth was singular: Kwara requires a leadership synergy that connects the “Renewed Hope” agenda in Abuja directly to the streets of Kwara.
Salman Idris Olamilekan, the Convener of Kwara Youth for Good Governance, signed the document, emphasizing that this was not a decision made in a vacuum.
We have watched, we have listened, and we have analyzed the trajectory of our nation and our state,” Olamilekan stated. “This endorsement is the result of a collective realization that Kwara cannot afford to be an island. We need a bridge-builder at home and a reformer at the center.
A significant portion of the communiqué was dedicated to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Despite the complexities of national economic reforms, the Kwara youths expressed a sophisticated understanding of the “long game.” They commended the President’s boldness in tackling structural issues that have historically hindered Nigeria’s growth.
The group highlighted several key areas where the Tinubu administration’s direction aligns with youth interests.
The youths argued that “changing horses mid-stream” would only reset the progress made in the last few years, asserting that continuity at the federal level is the safest bet for national growth.
While the federal endorsement focused on stability, the state endorsement for Engr. Femi Sanni focused on transformation. The nickname “Araba” referring to the mighty Mahogany tree is symbolic of the strength, shelter, and deep roots Sanni has established within the Kwara community.
The Kwara Youth for Good Governance meticulously detailed why Sanni is their choice to succeed the current administration. According to the communiqué, the “Araba” vision is built on four pillars.
As an engineer, Sanni is viewed through the lens of a “fixer.” The youths expressed a preference for a leader who understands the mechanics of infrastructure, urban planning, and industrialization. In a state looking to modernize its economy, a technocratic background is seen as a major asset.
The group praised Sanni’s “people-oriented” approach. Unlike the ivory-tower politics often criticized by the youth, Sanni’s campaign has been characterized by direct engagement with local artisans, students, and young entrepreneurs.
This announcement is more than just a statement on paper; it is a call to action. The group revealed that they have already begun setting up “Good Governance Directorates” across the 193 wards of Kwara State. These directorates will serve as hubs for voter education, mobilization, and the promotion of the Tinubu-Sanni ticket.
The youths pledged their readiness to engage in a door-to-door campaign to explain the benefits of this partnership to the elderly, the market women, and their fellow young citizens. They emphasized that this declaration was made “freely and independently,” aimed at correcting the narrative that youth involvement in politics is purely transactional.
The communiqué concluded with a powerful plea for unity among Kwarans. The youths stressed that the era of divisive politics must give way to an era of “Inclusion and Progress.”
By backing a seasoned engineer like Sanni and a veteran reformer like Tinubu, the Kwara Youth for Good Governance believes they are securing a future where the “State of Harmony” becomes the “State of Prosperity.”
As the political season heats up, this 16-LGA endorsement serves as a formidable baseline for the conversations to come. Whether in the bustling markets of Ilorin or the quiet farmlands of Patigi, the name “Araba” and the call for federal continuity are now firmly etched into the Kwara political lexicon.
A coalition of young professionals, entrepreneurs, and student leaders under the aegis of Kwara Youth for Good Governance (KYFGG) has officially declared its support for Engr. Femi Sanni, popularly known as Araba, as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State.
The endorsement was made public on Friday during a press conference held at the Arca Santa Event Place in Ilorin, where the group’s convener, Salman Idris Olamilekan, read a detailed speech outlining the reasons behind the decision.
According to the group, the endorsement is not based on emotion or political sentiment, but on “evidence, credibility, capacity, and compassion.”
Why Araba?
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Olamilekan described Engr. Sanni as “a builder in every sense of the word” – a businessman with a verifiable track record in enterprise, job creation, and economic foresight.
“We see more than a politician. We see a leader who understands how wealth is created, sustained, and expanded,” Olamilekan said. “At a time when youth unemployment remains a critical concern, Kwara needs a governor who has actually built things.”
The group also highlighted Sanni’s sustained investment in sports development, noting that his grassroots sporting initiatives have provided platforms for young talents to thrive, stay engaged, and pursue excellence.
“Sports is not just recreation – it is a tool for discipline, unity, and opportunity. Engr. Sanni’s contributions in this space prove he understands youth engagement as a pathway to a stable and progressive society,” the convener added.
Humanitarian footprint and political consistency
Beyond business and sports, KYFGG pointed to Sanni’s quiet but meaningful humanitarian interventions across Kwara communities, describing them as evidence of empathy and character.
“His compassion goes beyond the spotlight. That speaks to a leadership spirit that prioritises people over personal gain,” Olamilekan noted.
The group further stated that Sanni has not emerged overnight in politics. He has grown within the progressive system, contributed to grassroots mobilisation, and remained committed to inclusive, consultative governance.
Support for Tinubu’s re-election bid
In a separate communique issued alongside the endorsement, KYFGG declared its support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the sake of continuity and stability in Nigeria.
“We recognise and appreciate the leadership direction and reform efforts of President Tinubu’s administration. Continuity at the centre, aligned with competent and people-driven leadership in Kwara, will deliver maximum development impact,” the communique read.
Call for unity and inclusive process
The youth group also called on political leaders, party members, civil society, and the general public to embrace a consultative process that reflects the true will of the people.
“Our support for Engr. Femi Sanni is rooted in credibility, capacity, and compassion. He represents not just a choice, but a direction – leadership that works, empowers, and delivers,” Olamilekan said.
The coalition reaffirmed its readiness across all local government areas in Kwara to support a vision anchored on unity, inclusion, and people-centred governance.
As the 2027 gubernatorial race begins to take shape, the endorsement by a significant youth coalition adds weight to the growing calls for Engr. Femi Sanni (Araba) to fly the APC ticket and lead Kwara State into a new era of enterprise-driven governance.
The political atmosphere in Kwara State is buzzing following the sudden resurfacing of archival photographs featuring Engr. Femi Sanni, popularly known as Araba — a development that is fast gaining traction across political circles and social media platforms.
What initially appeared as a nostalgic throwback has quickly evolved into a trending political conversation, with many observers saying the images may reshape ongoing narratives around leadership, legacy, and succession ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
At the heart of the discussion are powerful visual moments captured during the formative years of Nigeria’s progressive political movement. One of the widely circulated photographs shows Araba at a convergence of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), a gathering regarded as a cornerstone in the evolution of modern progressive politics in the country.
In the same frame is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seated among key figures of the movement. However, what has drawn particular attention is not just Tinubu’s presence, but Araba’s visible positioning within the fold — not as a distant observer, but as an active participant in the political circle at the time.
For many analysts, this image reinforces claims of his longstanding ties to the progressive bloc, long before current alignments began to take shape.
Another photograph fueling the conversation captures a younger Araba in close interaction with the late Abraham Adesanya, one of the most respected figures in Nigeria’s pro-democracy and progressive history.
The image has been widely interpreted as evidence of ideological proximity and possible mentorship, further deepening arguments about Araba’s political pedigree.
Across Kwara’s political landscape, the images are being described as “quietly disruptive.” Without overt statements or direct political messaging, they appear to challenge existing assumptions about who holds authentic roots within the progressive tradition in the state.
Political watchers note that in an era where many aspirants are positioning themselves as torchbearers of that legacy, Araba’s resurfaced visual history introduces a different dimension to the conversation — one anchored in documented participation rather than recent political alignment.
“This is not about rhetoric; it’s about verifiable history,” a political analyst in Ilorin noted. “These images provide context, and context matters, especially when questions of credibility and continuity come into play.”
The development has also sparked wider debate about what truly defines belonging within a political tradition. Is it long-term involvement in foundational movements, personal interactions with ideological leaders, or present-day affiliations?
While no direct comparisons have been made, the implications of the trending images are not lost on politically engaged audiences. Many see them as subtly reframing the narrative ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 governorship race in Kwara State.
As conversations continue to build online and within party structures, one thing is clear: the re-emergence of these photographs has injected fresh momentum into Kwara’s political discourse.
In a landscape where perception often shapes reality, Araba’s past — now vividly brought back into the spotlight — may prove to be a significant factor in the battles ahead.
And as the debate unfolds, one enduring political truth is once again reinforced: in politics, history is never truly in the past.
Engr. Femi Sanni. FNICE, FNSE (Araba) has officially declared his intention to contest the Kwara State governorship, calling for a consultative and inclusive process in choosing the next leader of the state.
He said stakeholders must remain sensitive to the yearnings of the people, stressing that Kwara’s future should be shaped by the collective voice of its citizens.
According to him, leadership must be anchored on competence, proven track record, integrity, and inclusiveness as the foundation for sustainable development.
The APC stalwart, who said his decision followed wide consultations across the three senatorial districts, positioned himself as a bridge-builder committed to unity and progress, while outlining priorities around youth empowerment, economic growth, and transforming Kwara into a conference and business hub.
“Kwara belongs to all of us — Kwara tiwa ni,” he said, pledging people-centered governance and accelerated development across the state. More details are expected as the story develops.
