– As Stakeholders Task Media Practitioners on Professionalism
The debate over zoning of the Kwara governorship seat to Kwara North Senatorial district in 2027 was one of the highlights at the Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners, ASKOMP, Media Roundtable, as political parties differed on the topical issue.
The All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) held different views on the zoning debate during the Media Roundtable.
The programme themed: “Kwara 2027; Media, Politics and Search for Credible Leadership” held at NUJ Press Centre, Ilorin on Friday.
The engagement was aimed at promoting objectivity among online journalists.
Kwara APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi said the ruling party would be guided by Nigeria’s constitution and their own constitution to select governorship candidate and other flag bearers ahead of 2027 general elections.
Fagbemi represented by the State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Babatunde Abdulwaheed said they wouldn’t allow issues zoning agitation to cause division in the party.
According to him, we always emphasize on competence, credible and acceptable in selecting candidates.
He affirmed that all three Senatorial districts in the state are blessed with potentials to become Governor.
In his contributions, Kwara ADC Publicity Secretary, Comrade AbdulRaaheed Gbagba advised the public to shun zoning agitation designed to deceive Kwarans ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gbagba said the ADC is the credible alternative with clear visit to accelerate development of Kwara State.
He played down idea of zoning, noting that political parties should allow ideas to compete not propaganda.
His words: “We believe Kwara State deserves leadership that will unlock its full potential and restore citizens’confidence in government.To the people of Kwara State: Your future is too important to be traded or taken for granted. ADC is ready to be part of a new political culture—one driven by credibility, accountability, and service.
“The journey to Kwara 2027 must be guided by informed choices, responsible media engagement,and a collective commitment to credible leadership”
Mr Kamil Razaq, the PDP Director of ICT urged Kwarans to jettisoned agitation for zoning of governorship seat to Kwara.
According to Kamil, Kwarans should not succumb to propaganda about zoning.
“Every eligible Kwaran should be free to contest irrespective of their Senatorial district,” he said.
Earlier, ASKOMP Chairman, Comrade Salihu Shola Taofeek in his remarks described the forthcoming elections in Kwara State as a defining moment, one that will test the state’s political maturity, inclusiveness, accountability, and fairness.
He noted that the process will also determine whether journalism upholds its role as a watchdog of democracy or yields to political convenience.
The Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lanre Ahmed Abdullateef charged journalists to apply conflict sensitive approaches in their reports amidst insecurity challenges facing the country.
Dr Ibrahim Salawu, Acting Director KWASU Centre for Politics and Corporate Governance and Dr Adebola Rafiu Bakare, Deputy Director, Institute of Legislative Studies, University of Ilorin delivered lectures during the Media Roundtable.
Bakare admonished journalists against allowing personal emotions, sentiments, and value judgments to distort political analysis.
According to him, credible journalism is essential for enabling citizens to make informed political decisions and fostering good governance in Kwara.
The media roundtable was also attended by Socio-political organizations including Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association, Kwara Continuity, Kwara Legacy Group, Ekiti-Kwara Youth Navigators,, Centre for Dignity in Governance, Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Kwara NANS and others.