A major political realignment is underway in Kwara State as leaders from the Kwara South Senatorial District have declared their intention to contest the governorship seat in 2027.
This was the central theme of a historic roundtable meeting held on Saturday, which also saw a resounding endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.
The event, themed “Unity for Progress: Charting a Sustainable Future for Kwara South,” was hosted by the Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye.
The gathering at Gbenab Executive Hotel in Oro brought together hundreds of key stakeholders, including the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Oyelola Ashiru, former Kwara APC Chairman, Bashir Bolarinwa, and other prominent figures.
The leaders were unequivocal in their assertion that it is the inalienable right of the Kwara South Senatorial District to produce the next governor.
Senator Oyelola Ashiru, in a passionate address, urged his constituents to rise to the occasion.
“As we look ahead to 2027, the critical question before us is how Kwara South positions itself politically after the current administration,” he stated.
It is the constitutional right of every son and daughter of Kwara South to aspire for the governorship seat, and now is the time to boldly pursue it.
The call to action was supported by legal luminary Barrister Abiodun Dada, who clarified that there is no constitutional or party barrier, including in the All Progressives Congress (APC) constitution, that prevents individuals from the zone from seeking the highest office in the state.
Kwara South sons and daughters are free to contest for the governorship seat come 2027 and we will use our network and resources to support them, he affirmed.
While setting their sights on 2027, the stakeholders took time to praise Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his “outstanding performance” over the last six years, particularly his strides in infrastructure development.
In a surprising but notable resolution, participants at the meeting advocated for Governor AbdulRazaq to be given a higher role at the federal level after his tenure, either in the executive or legislative arm, positioning him as Kwara’s “ambassador of service.”
The group also expressed deep concern over security challenges in the region, particularly in parts of Kwara South.
They acknowledged the Governor’s efforts in mobilizing security agencies to tackle the issue but appealed for accelerated investments in key sectors such as roads, healthcare, education, and agriculture in the district.
The roundtable’s resolutions were formally adopted in a communiqué that stressed the importance of unity among Kwara South communities and warned against any divisive tendencies. It also called for the increased inclusion of youths and women in governance and leadership, recognizing their vital role in the district’s stability and progress.
To ensure the momentum from the meeting is sustained, a 15-member Kwara South Leaders’ Think-Tank Committee was inaugurated.
This committee is tasked with coordinating follow-up actions, engaging with stakeholders at state and national levels, and articulating developmental priorities for the district.
The convener, Otunba Ajiboye, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, describing the mood in Oro as one of a district determined to speak with a single voice and assert its rightful place in the state’s political landscape.
He noted the zone’s strategic political advantage and implored its indigenes to position themselves for higher opportunities.