Hakeem Lawal, the former governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kwara State, has publicly reaffirmed his allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party gears up for the 2027 general elections. His declaration of support for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the APC’s governorship candidate, Yakubu Salihu-Danladi, took place during a gathering in Ilorin on Saturday.

Lawal, who previously contested the 2023 governorship election under the SDP banner, returned to the APC earlier this year. In his address, he acknowledged the questions surrounding his political affiliation over the past few months, stating, "I’ve been silent all the while and people have been asking where I belong, but I belong to APC." He expressed confidence in the party's ability to maintain its winning streak, urging opposition members to remain in their positions for the next 40 years while the APC continues to succeed.

The former candidate called on disgruntled APC members who had left the party to return, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration among party members. "Some people have tasted both and they can see the difference. Let all of us come back to the party and work for victory," he stated, highlighting the need for collective efforts as the party approaches the next election cycle.

Lawal also reflected on the party's historical journey, noting that the APC governed Kwara State until 2003 before facing 16 years in opposition. He urged party stakeholders to unite as the current administration nears the end of its tenure, reinforcing the importance of preserving the party’s legacy.

Addressing rumors of discord between the APC governorship candidate and his running mate, Kayode Alabi, Lawal dismissed such claims as mere propaganda and social media speculation. He reiterated that the G15 group, which has been the subject of discussions regarding internal disagreements, consists of integral members of the APC family. "G15, they are our brothers. They are part of us. We are all together; we are in this struggle together," he affirmed, expressing optimism that any differences would be resolved through dialogue.

Lawal criticized opposition parties for attempting to exploit the APC’s internal issues for political gain, recalling that the party has faced similar challenges in the past and successfully navigated through them. He stated, "We have had misunderstandings in the past, we resolved them, and this will be no different from any other one. We will resolve it and move forward together."

The gathering also featured remarks from Abdullahi Samari, the APC State Deputy Chairman, who expressed confidence in the party's resilience despite current challenges. He urged members to approach those who have left the party with understanding and to encourage their return, stating, "When you see those who have left, don’t fight them, persuade them to come back."

As the APC prepares for the upcoming elections, the emphasis on unity and collective action among its members remains a central theme in Lawal's message and the party's strategy moving forward.