Kwara South Youth has called on relevant stakeholders and community based groups to unite together towards actualising the 2027 gubernatorial bid for the region.
This call was made on Saturday during the Kwara South Youth Summit, held at the Irepodun Pensioners’ Office in Omu-Aran, Kwara State.
The gathering brought together key stakeholders to strategize on achieving power shift to the region in the state.
The event organized by the Kwara South Young Stakeholders, who are advocating for a Kwara South governor in 2027 serves as platform to deliberate and brainstorm on key issues.
Speaking at the gathering, Comrade Joel Afolayan emphasized the need for unity among Kwara South youths, highlighting the disparity in local government representation. He noted that other senatorial districts have benefited more than Kwara South over the years.
On his part, Comrade Love Babatunde called on the youth to amplify their voices in the state’s political landscape, pointing out that Kwara Central has held the governorship position for 20 years. He alleged that Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed’s administration was largely influenced by Kwara Central interests.
Speaking on the role of women in politics, Mrs. Ajide Foluke urged women to be more active in decision-making processes. She criticized past Kwara Central governors for prioritizing their region’s development while Kwara South lacked strong representatives to advocate for its growth. She also accused some Kwara South youths of leaking political strategies to Kwara Central.
Stakeholders stressed on the need for a unified youth front while calling on youth groups such as KWAYORG to form a coalition. The success of IEDPU and IEYDA in Kwara Central was cited as an example of how unity can strengthen political influence.
Former Deputy Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Adetiba Raphael, outlined key strategies for Kwara South’s political advancement, including building a strong coalition, emphasizing equitable power shift, developing a compelling narrative, leveraging legislative influence, empowering grassroots mobilization, and preparing alternative scenarios.
Sir Ben Dutoye highlighted the crucial role of youth in uniting Kwara South and fostering socio-political development. He noted that the region is home to entrepreneurs, traders, and civil servants who have significantly contributed to both the local and national economy. He urged the youth to focus on voter education and mobilization, policy advocacy, leadership development, revamping Kwara South’s political ideology, and strengthening youth political collaboration.
On his part, Mr. Lawal Abiola, the Convener of the Summit highlighted the positive impact of governor AbdulRazaq in Kwara South while emphasizing the need for continuity and effective governance while noting that the summit is aimed at bringing all Kwara South Youths, stakeholders and elders across divides together for a common goal of ensuring good Leadership comes 2027 who will consolidate on the gains of the achievement of the current, Gov AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman.
He explained that the region with highest numbers of LGAs is not supporting anyone as at now, but noted that they have the people with the right requisites to contest for Governor in 2027.
Abiola said the 2027 gubernatorial ticket should not be limited to any region while urging that all qualified candidates should be encouraged to participate.
Other stakeholders who also spoke at the event commended the Govt for the woman and youth inclusiveness in governance and political participation while seeking consideration for the constituency to produce the next Governor in 2027.
9japarrot reports that the summit concluded with a renewed commitment to ensuring that Kwara South’s interests are well-represented ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Stakeholders commended the government for promoting women and youth inclusiveness in governance and political participation, while seeking consideration for the constituency to produce the next governor in 2027.
