Ilorin Emirate Students Union Endorses Senator Saliu Mustapha for 2027 Kwara Governorship Following Performance Review

The Ilorin Emirate Students Union has endorsed Senator Saliu Mustapha for the 2027 Kwara governorship, citing his strong legislative and community record.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 10, 2026, 11:13 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from THISDAY

Grassroots Student Movement Backs Turaki of Ilorin

The political landscape of Kwara State ahead of the 2027 elections has begun to take shape with the Ilorin Emirate Students Union (IESU) throwing its weight behind Senator Saliu Mustapha. During the maiden Ramadan Lecture Series titled "Leadership as Amanah (Trust) in Islam," the union’s National President, Sheikh Zulkainaini Opolo, officially called on the Senator to contest the governorship seat. Opolo emphasized that students across the country are "deeply satisfied" with Mustapha’s legislative record since 2023, promising "unconditional support" for his transition from the National Assembly to the Kwara State Government House.

Royal and Community Stakeholders Signal Approval

The endorsement took place in a highly symbolic setting, attended by the representative of the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin), and leadership from the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU). The IEDPU National President commended Mustapha—who holds the traditional title of Turaki of Ilorin—for his consistent financial and structural support of indigenous community associations and youth development. While the IEDPU remains a non-partisan body, the public commendation of the Senator’s "representation and future political aspirations" underscores a strong alignment between Mustapha and the Emirate’s traditional power base.

Legislative Track Record: Agriculture and Rural Development

Currently serving as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, Senator Mustapha has leveraged his position to influence federal policy in Kwara Central. His supporters point to his three-year tenure as evidence of his capacity for executive leadership, noting his focus on rural empowerment and agricultural innovation. By positioning himself as a candidate who understands both federal legislative processes and local Emirate needs, Mustapha is emerging as a formidable contender to succeed the current administration in 2027.