‘Politics is about numbers’ — ex-APC governorship aspirant faults zoning agitation in Kwara

Haliru Dantsoho, a former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, has warned that zoning the party’s ticket to Kwara North could cost it victory in the 2027 elections.

Dantsoho made the remarks on Monday while speaking on Beyond the Headlines, a TVC primetime programme, where he explained his decision to step down for a candidate from Kwara Central.

He stressed that electoral success depends on numbers and strategic alignment rather than sentiment.

“Politics is about numbers, not emotions or social media agitation,” he said.

“When you need something from the majority, you appeal, persuade, and build consensus—you don’t confront them.”

According to him, Kwara Central remains the most populous voting bloc in the state, followed by Kwara North and Kwara South.

Dantsoho recalled that he previously championed the agitation for power shift to Kwara North during his time in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he served as state youth leader between 2017 and 2023.

He noted that efforts were made in 2023 to secure the PDP governorship ticket for the North, but the zone failed to unite behind its aspirant.

“If the agitation for Kwara North governorship was truly about collective interest and not personal ambition, that was the best time everyone should have united, regardless of party affiliation,” he said.

He criticised what he described as a confrontational approach by proponents of zoning, warning that antagonising other regions could weaken the North’s chances.

“Instead of appealing to stakeholders, what we see today is confrontation, especially on social media. That is not how to win political support,” he added.

Dantsoho also pointed to divisions among aspirants from Kwara North, including Yakubu Danladi, Sadiq Umar, and Makama Lafiagi, noting that their supporters remain divided.

“By now, the North should have produced a consensus candidate, but the divisions are too deep. Each camp believes the other would lead the party to defeat,” he said.

He warned that the PDP could take advantage of the situation by fielding a candidate from Kwara Central.

“If APC zones to the North and PDP presents a Central candidate, APC will lose — let’s be honest,” he said.

Dantsoho said his decision to step down was aimed at protecting the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.

“I am a party man, and I understand what it takes to win elections. I don’t want APC to lose; I want us to remain in government,” he said.

He dismissed claims that his decision was driven by personal interest, insisting that political decisions must be guided by pragmatism.

He added that without unity and strategic alignment, the chances of Kwara North producing the next governor remain slim.