In Kwara politics, timing is everything. And right now, the timing, the track record, and the temperament all point to one man: Rt. Hon. Salihu Danladi-Yakubu, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly.

As 2027 draws closer, the conversation in the state is no longer “who will run?” It is “who can sustain the Otoge gains and take Kwara higher?” On that score, Danladi’s name keeps coming up.

In the state of harmony today, the speaker is fulfilling Eleanor Roosevelt’s saying that: “A young person, as well as an older one, may become a leader by holding to a vision and fighting for it.”

First is the loyalty test. Danladi was part of the 2019 Otoge movement that ended 16 years of political dynasty. He didn’t just ride the wave. He helped organise it from the grassroots.

Again, his legislative record is top notch. As speaker for two terms, he has presided over one of the most active assemblies in Kwara’s history. From budget oversight to constituency laws, the legislative business has remained seamless.

Danladi, a bridge between the old and new generation, is young but not inexperienced. He hails from Kwara North but is accepted in Kwara Central and South in a state built on balance; that matters.

Running a House of 24 members with different interests is harder than it looks. For six years, there was no major rancour, no impeachment drama, and no shutdown. That is leadership.

The incumbent governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has run an administration focused on infrastructure, health, ICT, and education. To sustain it, you need someone who understands how government works from the inside. Danladi does.

He understands the budget process because he passed them. He understands LG autonomy because he legislated on it. He understands stakeholder management because he lives it daily.

Then there is the youth angle. At 38, Danladi represents the new Kwara. Educated, tech-savvy, and accessible. Young people see him and see possibility. But he is not just “youth.” Traditional rulers in Edu, Patigi, and Baruten respect him. Market women in Mandate know him. Clerics across the three senatorial zones have hosted him.

The North Central factor also helps. Kwara is the gateway state. Having a governor from Kwara North who can speak for the region in Abuja gives the state more federal relevance.

Critics will say “he’s just a Speaker.” But Nigeria’s history is full of speakers who became excellent governors and others who have held top positions at the federal level. Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila’s model in Lagos to others, legislative experience is an asset, not a liability.

Danladi’s strength is also his calm. Kwara politics can get heated. He has managed to stay above petty fights while keeping the house productive. That temperament is what governance needs.

On party structure, he scores high. As a two-term lawmaker and speaker, he has built political structures in every LGA. He doesn’t need to start from scratch in 2026.

The APC in Kwara needs continuity with fresh energy. Danladi offers both. He is of the current government, so policies won’t be abandoned. But he is young enough to bring new ideas.

Look at his constituency projects. From schools to boreholes to empowerment, he has maintained visibility without noise. That’s the quiet politics Kwara people respect.

The opposition will come hard, no doubt. PDP is reorganising. But they will find it hard to sell “change” against someone who was part of the change that worked.

He also understands the media. In the age of TikTok and Facebook politics, you need a candidate who can communicate. Danladi’s press team has kept the assembly visible for six years.

What about zoning? Kwara North has waited enough and has demonstrated readiness and tenacity going forward. The last governor from the zone was long ago. The argument for equity is strong, and Danladi is the most prepared son of the zone.

The women and students will connect with him too. He has consistently supported scholarships, women cooperatives, and skill programmes through the assembly.

More importantly, the erudite speaker understands that being governor is not about ego. It’s about service. Colleagues describe him as “consultative” and “detail-oriented.” That’s how you run a state.

The risk of an outsider is real. New faces mean new learning curves. Kwara cannot afford to experiment in 2027. We need someone who can hit the ground running on day one.

Salihu Danladi is not perfect. No politician is. But he has the cleanest combination of experience, acceptability, loyalty, and vision available in APC Kwara today.

So, when you ask “who wears the crown after AbdulRazaq?” look at the man who has held the gavel, kept the house, and kept the faith. 

In Kwara 2027, the cap fits Speaker Salihu Danladi. 

Kehinde Osasona, anipr, ffps,

Abuja