The leading pro-democracy and human rights advocacy group, Kwara Must Change (KMC), has insisted that the choice of who becomes the next governor of Kwara State rests solely with the choice of the people of the state, insisting that external political forces will not determine Kwara’s political future.
The group stated that the future of Kwara State is not open to negotiation or external determination, stressing that it belongs exclusively to the people of Kwara.
In a statement issued on January 1, 2026, the State Coordinator of Kwara Must Change, Comr. Seko Jibril, said the spirit of the Otoge political revolution was founded on reclaiming the people’s right to freely choose their leaders, adding that nothing short of this will be acceptable in the 2027 governorship election.
According to Seko, the next governor of the state must emerge from the genuine will of the people, not from backroom deals struck in Abuja or any other location removed from the lived realities of Kwarans.
Kwara Must Change noted that democracy loses its true meaning when citizens are reduced to mere spectators while outsiders determine their political destiny in a supposed democratic setting.
Seko reiterated that KMC stands for grassroots democracy, popular participation, and leadership rooted in accountability to the people, not loyalty to external power brokers.
“Kwara people paid a price to reclaim their political sovereignty. That mandate cannot be outsourced, negotiated elsewhere, or dictated by interests that do not bear the consequences of governance in this state,” Seko stated.
KMC emphasized that while political parties may consult widely, internally or externally, the legitimacy of any governorship candidate in 2027 must be anchored on acceptance within Kwara State, not on endorsements secured outside of the state.
The group further recalled that the Otoge movement represented a rejection of external control, entitlement politics, and elite dominance, adding that the same principle must guide the next political transition in the state.
Kwara Must Change concluded by stressing that the next governor must be chosen by Kwara people, for Kwara people, and in the interest of Kwara people, nothing more, nothing less.
Kwara Must Change (KMC) concluded with a new year (2026) message, wishing Kwarans a happy New Year (2026)! KMC wishes Kwarans joy, peace, and progress as we step into a new chapter.
End.