Lanre Issa-Onilu, director-general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), is poised to enter the race for the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State.
Sources familiar with the political manoeuvring in the state say the former spokesman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is currently holding extensive consultations ahead of a possible declaration.
Although Issa-Onilu has not formally announced his ambition, insiders say he is engaging key political stakeholders across Kwara as momentum builds ahead of party primaries.
According to the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties are expected to conduct primaries for various elective offices between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
Heavyweights Eye Kwara Governorship
Issa-Onilu is expected to join a crowded field of aspirants within the APC.
Among those reportedly interested in the race are three senators — Lola Ashiru, Saliu Mustapha and Suleiman Sodiq Umar.
Also said to be considering the contest is Lateef Fagbemi, the current attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice.
Despite the competition, several political stakeholders in Kwara are reportedly favourably disposed to Issa-Onilu emerging as the successor to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Seen as Continuity Candidate
Insiders within the ruling party say Issa-Onilu is widely regarded as someone capable of sustaining the reforms initiated by AbdulRazaq’s administration.
The governor came to power in 2019 following the sweeping political change driven by the “O to ge” movement, which ended decades of political dominance by the Saraki political dynasty in the state.
Sources said Issa-Onilu’s political experience, deep understanding of the state’s political evolution, and strong networks within the party structure are key factors boosting his prospects.
One source described him as a “heavyweight within the APC ranks” whose candidacy could reshape the succession contest.
Stakeholders Back Issa-Onilu
Political stakeholders also see the NOA director-general as a bridge between older political actors and younger party members.
A prominent stakeholder, speaking anonymously, described him as “an all-rounder — a strategist, reformer and performer” capable of leading the state into its next phase of development.
Supporters argue that his reputation for consensus building and party administration could help unify various factions within the APC ahead of the primaries.
From Journalism to National Politics
Before entering frontline politics, Issa-Onilu spent more than 25 years in journalism and communications.
He worked with The Comet and ThisDay, where he served as group politics editor, before transitioning fully into political communication.
He later became the national publicity secretary of the APC and a member of the party’s national working committee.
In October 2023, he was appointed director-general of the National Orientation Agency.
Record at NOA
Since taking charge at the agency, Issa-Onilu has been credited with improving staff morale and driving digital reforms.
He also spearheaded the development of CLHEEAN, an AI-powered voice assistant designed to provide Nigerians with information about government policies, programmes and opportunities.
His supporters say the reforms at NOA reflect the leadership style he could bring to Kwara if he eventually joins the governorship race.
