By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), drawn from all three senatorial districts of Kwara State, have thrown their unanimous weight behind Dr. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (BOB) as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by the BOB Media Office. The office said the endorsement was announced at a news conference in Ilorin on Sunday, where the elders declared that Dr. Bolarinwa’s proven integrity, deep governance experience, and unifying disposition set him decisively apart from other aspirants for the office.
Speaking on behalf of the elders, Alhaji Ladi Mustapha, a former APC Legal Adviser, said: “At this critical juncture in Kwara’s political evolution, we firmly believe that leadership must be entrusted to an individual with proven integrity, experience, capacity, and a unifying disposition. After careful evaluation, Bolarinwa clearly stands out above other contenders for the office of governor.”
Dr. Bolarinwa brings to his governorship ambition over two decades of hands-on public service at multiple levels. He began his political career as a councillor, served two terms as chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government, and went on to serve two terms as a member of the House of Representatives.
He further demonstrated his organisational capability as chairman of the APC in Kwara State in 2018, a tenure the elders described as marked by resilience, competence, and effective management of both human and material resources.
Dr. Bolarinwa, who formally declared his intention to run on April 28, 2026, and has since submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to APC national executives, has made addressing insecurity a centrepiece of his campaign.
He has specifically identified the deteriorating security situation across Kwara North and Kwara South, where bandit attacks have left communities deserted and triggered a deepening humanitarian crisis, as matters requiring urgent, decisive action.
Beyond security, his agenda prioritises quality healthcare, education, agriculture, and social welfare services as essential pillars of a people-centred administration.
The elders also praised Dr. Bolarinwa’s ability to build strong relationships across all three senatorial districts, transcending ethnic, religious, and political divides.
His connections with traditional rulers, youth groups, professionals, and grassroots communities were cited as key indicators of his capacity to foster inclusive governance.
Former Deputy Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Mr. Raphael Adetiba, reinforced this message, saying the focus should be on competence and capacity: “What we need is a leader who can sustain the achievements of the present administration and continue delivering the dividends of democracy.”
The elders concluded their endorsement by describing Dr. Bolarinwa as a leader whose values are rooted in compassion, justice, and a genuine desire to improve lives—one who views public office as a platform for service, not personal gain.
“Kwara deserves a leader who is tested, trusted, and connected to the people,” Alhaji Mustapha affirmed. “Bolarinwa embodies these qualities, and we are confident that under his leadership, the state will witness inclusive growth, strengthened unity, and sustainable development.”
