2027: Kwara APC Stakeholders Back Bolarinwa as Kwara South Gains Political Momentum

2027: Kwara APC Stakeholders Back Bolarinwa as Kwara South Gains Political Momentum

In the build-up to the 2027 Kwara governorship election, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Isin, Ilorin West, and Ilorin East local government areas have intensified political consultations, declaring that Kwara South senatorial district currently parades some of the most qualified governorship aspirants among over 15 contenders in the race.

The position was made known during separate strategic meetings held in Oke Onigbin, Mandate, and Zango areas of Ilorin, where party stakeholders unanimously endorsed former APC State Chairman, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, describing him as a strong contender capable of sustaining the development agenda of Kwara State.

The endorsement aligns with emerging grassroots realignments within the APC structure across Kwara State, where multiple groups have continued to throw their weight behind Bolarinwa’s governorship ambition, citing his long-standing role in party leadership, political experience, and grassroots influence.

The Isin Progressive Likeminds, led by Kayode Olaoye, said their support for Bolarinwa followed wide consultations, grassroots engagement, and careful assessment of the socio-economic development needs of Kwara State. According to the group, the 2027 governorship contest requires “visionary, inclusive and transformative leadership” capable of uniting different interests across the state. They stressed that the next governor must be able to promote cohesion, equity, and sustainable development, rather than sectional or narrow political interests. The group also resolved to begin full-scale mobilisation across the 11 wards of Isin Local Government Area, including engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, and political stakeholders to strengthen support for their preferred aspirant.

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In Ilorin West Local Government Area, a coalition of APC stakeholders comprising party elders, executives, youth groups, and women organisations also declared support for Bolarinwa. The meeting, convened by Hon. Ayo Obisesan, and supported by APC leader, Professor Yahya Duro Uthman Hambali, brought together stakeholders from across the 12 wards in Ilorin West. According to them, the endorsement reflects a collective decision driven by the need for credible leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections. One of the leaders, Prof. Hambali, said the group’s position represents a shift towards “progress over stagnation and hope over despair,” adding that Kwara State needs a leader with experience and wide acceptability.

Also, in Ilorin East, party stalwarts under the Ilorin East Progressive Caucus reaffirmed their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, while also endorsing Bolarinwa’s governorship aspiration. The endorsement was made through a voice affirmation led by the caucus chairman, Chief Babatunde Asanlu, who praised Tinubu’s administration for what he described as bold economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate reforms, infrastructure development, and the student loan scheme. He said the policies were laying a foundation for long-term national growth, insisting that the President deserves a second term to complete ongoing reforms. On Bolarinwa’s ambition, Asanlu described him as a “tested leader with strong grassroots connection, administrative experience, and wide political acceptance across Kwara State.”

Political observers say the wave of endorsements across Kwara APC structures signals an early and intensifying succession battle ahead of 2027. While some stakeholders continue to push for zoning arrangements within the party, others argue that the governorship ticket should be determined strictly by competence, popularity, and electability, rather than senatorial rotation. The ongoing alignments suggest that the 2027 Kwara governorship race may become one of the most competitive political contests in the state’s recent history.

2027: Kwara APC Stakeholders Back Bolarinwa as Kwara South Gains Political Momentum