APC Aligns With My Ideology – Manko Speaks on Political Comeback

A business mogul and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) senatorial candidate for Kwara North, Alhaji Adamu Attahiru Manko, has said that his recent move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) should not be seen as defection but rather as a return home, as the APC has always been his political base.

He described his earlier involvement with the SDP as a necessity at the time, influenced by those around him. “Of course, I always listen to my people,” he said.

He added that those familiar with his political background, family history, and ideology would know that his alignment has always been with the APC, even if he previously attracted support from other parties.

Manko made these remarks on Monday while hosting the Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP) during a media parley at his residence in Ilorin.

When asked about his preferred candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election, Manko said he would support any candidate from Kwara North.

He dismissed claims that Kwara North politicians are not united, stating that stakeholders from the region are working together in the interest of Kwara North as a whole, rather than backing any single aspirant.

The Patigi-born politician, who recently rejoined the APC, reaffirmed his support for the zoning of the governorship seat to Kwara North in 2027.

His words: “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. 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.

“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.

“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 his political ambition within the APC, Manko said that, as someone who has always identified with the party, there is nothing wrong in aspiring for a position. He hinted that he may contest again if God wills.

Responding to further questions from journalists, he added that he would prefer to represent the people of Kwara North Senatorial District.

“There is nothing wrong in having aspiration and my returning to the APC, which I consider my political home. I want to align with my political friends and allies. 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, as its ideology aligns with my progressive beliefs. What happened in 2023 was a matter of necessity. I am back home now,” Manko explained.

While evaluating the performance of the government, Manko praised President Bola Tinubu and Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for implementing people-focused policies, programmes, and projects.

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