Kwara’s Political Groups Want Bolarinwa To Join Gubernatorial Race, Pledge Support

Political groups from the three senatorial zones in Kwara State-North, Central and South- have called on the former Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (PhD), to contest for the governorship of the state in 2027 under the platform of APC.

Bolarinwa led the O to ge movement that ensured Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrasak was elected the governor of Kwara State in 2019.

Leading the call from Kwara North is the Moro Progressive Links (MPL), a socio-cultural and community-based organisation rooted in Moro Local Government Area, committed to progressive leadership, grassroots development, and the collective advancement of Kwara State.

The coordinator of the group, Mr. Johnson Babatunde, cited Bolarinwa’s competence, experience and acceptance across the state.

According to the group, Bolarinwa, a former Local Government Chairman and member of the House of Representatives, is a bridge builder who is well-loved and acceptable across the three senatorial districts.

Babatunde also said Bolarinwa possess the experience, capacity and capability, which he exhibited during his tenure as Party State Chairman.

“In addition to his legislative and executive experience, he, as the APC State Chairman, stood like the rock of Gibraltar during the 2019 Otoge struggle to earn victory for all the APC-nominated candidates, including the current governor, Mallam Abdulrazaq.”

Continued Babatunde “Considering the freedom guaranteed by the APC constitution that allows all interested party members to contest for any position of choice without hindrance, MPL hereby beckons on the man of the people, Hon.B.O. B, as he is fondly called, to run for the coveted seat.”

And from Kwara South, the Igbomina Youth Vanguard also called on Bolarinwa to contest.

The group described him as a competent and stabilising figure capable of providing inclusive leadership for Kwara State, amid growing calls for experience-driven governance.

They posit that Kwara State is approaching a critical phase where competence must outweigh political noise, and where unity, institutional stability, and continuity of development should guide leadership choices.

The Vanguard noted that Bolarinwa’s political journey reflects a consistent effort at bridge-building across the three senatorial districts of the state, stressing that his approach to politics has been largely defined by consultation, restraint, and collaboration rather than confrontation.

“As young stakeholders in the future of this state, we are not driven by sentiment but by the desire for responsible leadership,” the statement read.

“Bolarinwa has demonstrated maturity, calm decision-making, and loyalty to the collective interest of Kwara State.”

The group concluded by calling on political stakeholders and community leaders across the state to prioritise competence, character, and capacity as Kwara charts its next phase of development.

The statement was signed by Abdulganiyu Abdulazeez Afobaje, Coordinator of the Igbomina Youth Vanguard, and endorsed by other members of the organisation.

And in the Central senatorial zone, the Ilorin South Progressive Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also urged Bolarinwa to contest the Kwara 2027 governorship election.

The statement was signed by the Chairman, Barr. Oladimeji Mustapha (Oke Ogun Ward) and other ward leaders.

The Caucus believes that this moment in Kwara State’s political journey calls for unity, stability, and experienced leadership—leadership with a proven capacity for inclusive governance, the ability to bridge divides, and the strength to inspire confidence across communities and generations.

Members of the Caucus described Bolarinwa as a calm, principled, and forward-looking statesman whose political career has consistently reflected integrity, discipline, and a sincere commitment to public service.

The Group further highlighted Bolarinwa’s uncommon display of statesmanship and maturity, particularly his conduct after political victories—offering ideas, guidance, and constructive support whenever needed, without fueling division or personal rivalry.

‘’In an era where personal ambition often overshadows the collective good, his consistent choice of stability, unity, and development speaks clearly to the depth of his character and leadership.

‘’This call is not driven by opposition or partisan confrontation, but by a genuine desire to accelerate development, strengthen democratic institutions, and position Kwara State among Nigeria’s leading sub-national economies.’’ Said Mustapha.