••• Urges Presidency, APC to Respect Kwara’s Choice of Dr Salako
The Kwara for Kwarans Initiative, a prominent pro-state advocacy group, has lauded the Aro Meta Development Association for its bold and unprecedented move to vet and endorse a gubernatorial candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement made available to 9japarrot and signed by its Convener, Amb. Anjorin Babatunde, the initiative described Aro Meta’s endorsement of Dr. Muyideen Salako as a masterclass in civic responsibility. The group noted that the association’s rigorous screening process which included verifying the track records and family backgrounds of aspirants across Kwara South sets a new standard for leadership recruitment in the state.
The commendation comes on the heels of major political shifts within the Kwara South senatorial district. Aro Meta had recently projected that several aspirants would step down to consolidate support for Dr. Salako; a projection that gained immediate traction following the withdrawal of Senator Lola Ashiru from the gubernatorial race to focus on his Senate re-election bid.
“Aro Meta is bold enough to do the undone,” the statement read. “They have taken it upon themselves to search for the most credible among all. This is leadership. This is patriotism.”
The Kwara for Kwarans Initiative argued that the era of outsourcing leadership decisions solely to political actors is over. It called on other professional bodies and development associations across the three senatorial districts to emulate Aro Meta by engaging the political process with diligence rather than parochial interests.
The group’s core arguments include; merit over sentiment, Community oversight and Inclusive Selection.
Addressing the ongoing debate over power rotation, the initiative echoed Aro Meta’s stance that there is no official, legally-binding rotation arrangement in Kwara State. They pointed to the emergence of aspirants from all three districts including Kwara Central as evidence that the race remains open to the most capable candidate.
“What matters is who can unify the state and distribute resources fairly,” the group stated, adding that Aro Meta has placed merit above sentiment while demanding ask others to do the same.
The group also appealed to the APC National Leadership and the Presidency to respect community-driven endorsements during the nomination process. They maintained that candidates who enjoy grassroots legitimacy, like Dr. Salako, are better positioned to ensure a landslide victory and provide effective governance.
9japarrot reports that as the 2027 political landscape continues to evolve, the intervention of community-based organizations like Aro Meta signals a significant shift toward a more participatory and transparent leadership recruitment process in Kwara State.