“I’m Back Home”: SDP Senatorial Candidate Manko Rejoins APC, Backs Kwara North For 2027 Governorship

Ilorin, Kwara State — Prominent businessman and former Social Democratic Party (SDP) senatorial candidate for Kwara North, Alhaji Adamu Attahiru Manko, has rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing his move not as a defection but a return to his political roots.

Manko made the declaration on Monday while speaking during a media parley with members of the Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP) at his residence in Ilorin.

“I’m not defecting. I’m returning home,” Manko stated.

“APC has always been my political base. What happened in 2023 was a matter of necessity, and I was influenced by those around me. Of course, I always listen to my people.”

He stated that his political ideology and family history are deeply rooted in the progressive tradition, which aligns with the APC’s philosophy.

“My father was a progressive politician for over 40 years. My people supported me in 2023 and urged us to return home. I believe the APC is the right party for me,” he said.

When asked about his political ambitions within the APC, the Patigi-born politician hinted at a possible return to active contest in 2027.

“There is nothing wrong in having aspiration. I want to align with my political friends and allies. I would prefer to represent the people of Kwara North Senatorial District if God wills.”

Manko also threw his weight behind the clamour for zoning the governorship seat to Kwara North in the 2027 general elections, saying the time had come for equity and fairness.

“I support the call for zoning the governorship to Kwara North ahead of the 2027 general elections. I believe it is time for our zone to produce the next governor,” he said.

“Kwara Central has had 18 years with Lawal, Saraki, and Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. Kwara South has also had its turn for eight years. For the sake of justice and fairness, Kwara North should produce the next governor.”

He added that there are qualified and credible individuals in the zone ready to take up the responsibility.

“We have capable individuals like Senator Sadiq Umar, Speaker Yakubu Salihu-Danladi, and Makama, among others, who have shown interest in contesting. We will work together to make it a reality in 2027.”

On the perceived disunity among Kwara North politicians, Manko refuted the claim, noting that stakeholders are united in advancing the interest of the zone.

“We are not divided. We are working together in the interest of Kwara North as a whole. It’s not about any single aspirant.”

He further called on other zones to support the zoning arrangement.

“We understand that politics is a game of numbers. We are appealing to the other zones to support this call, in the interest of justice and equity. We will continue to engage, appeal, and lobby key stakeholders in the party to support the Kwara North agenda.”

Evaluating the current administration, Manko commended both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for their efforts in transforming the country and the state.

“Just look at the excellent performance of the governor – from economic policies to infrastructure development. Let’s give him credit; he has set a standard,” he said.

“And we have a working president as well. The APC has become so strong in Kwara that no other party can defeat it because of the performance of the present governor.”