•• Says His Candidacy Represents Stability, Strategic Advantage
A coalition of Concerned Progressive Stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved to debunk what they describe as deliberate misrepresentations targeted at the former State Chairman of the party, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (BOB).
This development was confirmed in a statement co-signed by Abdulmumin Nda Abdulkadir, Comrade Afolayan Joseph Olasunkanmi, and Alhaji Taiye Beki and made available to 9japarrot, which comes in response to recent media publications alleging “imposition” and questioning the leadership capacity and loyalty of the former Chairman.
The stakeholders noted with concern that the initial write-up credited to Barrister E. O. Ogunmodimu has already been debunked by the lawyer himself as a case of “impersonation and falsehood.” They expressed surprise that unprogressive elements would persist in trying to school President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the character of a man widely regarded as one of his most loyal and faithful protégés.
Addressing the crux of the allegations, the group clarified that Bolarinwa’s rising profile is rooted in organic support across the party’s structures and is not a product of imposition.
“The APC remains a party guided by democratic principles and internal mechanisms. Hon. Bolarinwa’s growing acceptance reflects the collective will of stakeholders, including the leader of the party in the state, His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,” the statement clarified.
The rebuttal further defended Bolarinwa’s political history, particularly his past realignments which the stakeholders insist were always done with the express approval and blessings of his mentor, President Tinubu. They challenged detractors to provide any evidence that Bolarinwa undermined the President during the last elections, noting instead that his extensive political network remained a valuable asset to the APC’s victory.
The stakeholders also reminded party members of Bolarinwa’s pivotal role in the 2019 post-primary crisis, where his humility and strategic leadership including his famous public appeal to other aspirants ensured the unity that led to the “Otoge” victory.
The group maintained that Kwara State deserves leadership that combines experience with resilience. They argued that rather than being a liability, Bolarinwa’s potential candidacy offers stability, continuity, and a strategic advantage for the APC in the upcoming 2027 cycle.
“We truthfully affirm that Hon. Bolarinwa’s candidature is what Kwara needs at this moment not just for electoral victory, but for good governance,” the leaders affirmed, the group added, urging party members to disregard divisive narratives and focus on strengthening the party under the joint leadership of President Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq.
