Prominent stakeholders in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara North have publicly criticized Senator Sadiq Umar over what they describe as an attempt to seek a third term in office, in violation of a long-standing rotational agreement among local governments in the district.
The Senator was reported to have obtained expression of interest and nomination forms for the Senate, despite the understanding that the Seat goes to the Nupe-Speaking part of Kwara north, in line with the zoning arrangement in the Senatorial district.
In a strongly worded statement issued under the banner of “Concerned Kaiama Stakeholders,” the group accused the senator of placing personal ambition above collective interest, warning that such a move could destabilize the fragile political balance in Kwara North.
According to the stakeholders, the district has historically operated a gentleman’s agreement that allows each local government to occupy the senatorial seat for a maximum of two terms before power rotates to another area. They argued that this arrangement has fostered equity, inclusion, and political harmony across the zone.
The group expressed concern that Senator Umar became Senator as a direct benefit from the same rotational understanding, a fact that he acknowledged in his book “How I became a Senator in 30 days” now appears willing to set it aside. They described the alleged move as a “serious breach of trust” that raises questions about leadership integrity and respect for collective decisions.
“If there were any intention to reconsider this arrangement, the proper course would have been broad consultation with elders and stakeholders across Kwara North,” the statement read. “Any unilateral action undermines the structure and weakens the unity we have built over the years.”
The stakeholders warned that abandoning the agreement could have far-reaching consequences, including eroding trust among the constituent local governments, damaging Kaiama’s political credibility, and creating divisions within the region.
They also called on political leaders, traditional rulers, and community influencers in Kaiama to speak out and ensure that the established understanding is upheld.
“Silence in the face of this development could be seen as complicity,” the group noted, urging stakeholders to act decisively to preserve the integrity of the district’s political framework.
The statement concluded with a call on Senator Umar to “retrace his steps” and align with the collective interest of Kaiama and Kwara North.
As of the time of filing this report, Senator Sadiq Umar has not publicly responded to the allegations.
