A coalition of Christian leaders and political stakeholders in Kwara State has declared support for the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while also endorsing Senator Saliu Mustapha as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state.
The declaration was made during an interdenominational prayer gathering held in Ilorin on Monday, where religious leaders from different Christian denominations gathered to pray for peace, national unity, and political stability ahead of the next general elections.
The meeting, organised under the platform of Christian Leaders in Politics, reflected the growing political consultations already taking shape in Kwara State as parties and interest groups begin early alignments ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Christian Leaders Fellowship, Pastor Abel Aiyedogbon, described Senator Mustapha as a leader who has maintained what he called an exceptional relationship with Christians across the state regardless of religious differences.
According to him, the support for Mustapha was based on years of interaction and what the Christian community considers inclusive leadership and accessibility.
Aiyedogbon stated that in his decades of involvement in public and religious affairs in Kwara State, he had not witnessed a political office holder who related with Christians in the same manner as the senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District.
He noted that the gathering was not only spiritual but also strategic, especially as political activities continue to intensify ahead of the All Progressives Congress primaries and the 2027 general elections.
The cleric stressed that the Christian community remains interested in leaders capable of promoting fairness, peace, and unity in the state, adding that the prayers were aimed at seeking divine guidance concerning the future leadership of Kwara and Nigeria.
Another religious leader, Pastor Jacob Jonathan Elegun of Faith Contenders International Ministry, said Christian stakeholders had resolved to mobilise support for Senator Mustapha because of his approach to governance and public service.
Elegun explained that the senator had consistently demonstrated leadership that accommodates people from different religious and social backgrounds, noting that many Christians in the state now see him as a unifying political figure.
He further disclosed that plans were already underway to begin grassroots mobilisation in support of Mustapha’s political ambition ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
The event also featured prayers led by former President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Reverend V.S.A. Dada, who prayed for peace, stability, and progress in Nigeria while urging citizens to continue supporting efforts aimed at national development.
The endorsement adds to the growing list of political and community groups that have recently backed Senator Mustapha for the Kwara governorship contest.
In recent weeks, the Ilorin Emirate Political Advisory Council also endorsed President Tinubu for a second term while backing Mustapha as its preferred governorship candidate for Kwara State. The council described the senator as a competent and experienced politician capable of consolidating on the achievements of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration.
Similarly, several youth organisations, student groups, and political stakeholders across the state have openly identified with the senator’s growing political influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political observers believe the latest endorsement from Christian leaders could further strengthen Mustapha’s standing within the APC, especially at a time when different interests and regional blocs are beginning to position themselves for the state’s next political transition.
Kwara State is expected to witness intense political activity in the coming months as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq approaches the end of his constitutionally allowed tenure in office. Discussions around succession and zoning arrangements have already intensified within the ruling APC and opposition parties.
Meanwhile, supporters of President Tinubu at the gathering expressed confidence in the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, insisting that continuity in leadership would help sustain ongoing reforms and national development programmes.
The endorsements coming from both political and religious groups suggest that the race toward the 2027 elections is gradually gathering momentum across Kwara State and beyond.
