THE political stakeholders in Nupe land residence in Ilorin the Kwara state capital have formally declared their support for the gubernatorial aspiration of the senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha ahead of 2027 polls.
The endorsement was made on Sunday under the aegis of the Nupe Progressives of Ilorin Emirate, following what the group described as “extensive consultations” and in recognition of the senator’s performance and engagement with their community.
The event, which held in Ilorin, drew traditional title holders, Islamic clerics, youth leaders, women mobilisers, and other influential figures within the Nupe community in the state capital.
Speaking at the gathering, the group’s convener and the Maiyaki ‘N’ Nupe of Ilorin Emirate, stated that in over a century of the community’s existence within the Ilorin Emirate, no politician has recognised or engaged the Nupe people as meaningfully as Senator Mustapha.
“Senator Saliu Mustapha is the first political office holder in our recent history who has not only fulfilled every promise made to us but has consistently carried us along in the scheme of things,” the traditional leader said.
Another speaker, a youth mobiliser identified as Comrade Abdulrauf Saheed, popularly known as Na’aAllah, noted that the senator’s relationship with the Nupe community became particularly visible during the 2023 elections, where he reportedly made specific commitments that have since been fulfilled.
“Our experience with Senator Mustapha stands out. He honoured his word, and for us, that is significant,” Mr Saheed said. “If one good turn deserves another, we will stand firmly by him, regardless of the political platform under which he contests.”
Several other speakers at the event offered prayers for the realisation of the senator’s political ambition and commended his reported interventions in the areas of empowerment and inclusion.
Reacting to the endorsement, an aide to the senator, Abdulkareem Alabi, who was present at the gathering, described the gesture as a “profound show of trust” and commended the community for initiating an empowerment scheme in the senator’s name.
Mr Alabi urged the stakeholders to continue to support the current administration in the state, led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and to remain united in the pursuit of development and inclusivity.
Senator Mustapha is presently serving his first term in the Senate and chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development. Though he has yet to formally declare interest in the 2027 gubernatorial race, speculations have mounted in recent months about his likely candidacy.