Kwara APC senatorial elders endorse Bolarinwa for 2027 governorship race
Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the three senatorial districts of Kwara State have endorsed Dr. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (BOB) as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship
Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the three senatorial districts of Kwara State have endorsed Dr. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (BOB) as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement was announced at a news conference in Ilorin on Sunday, where the elders cited Bolarinwa’s integrity, governance experience and unifying capacity as key factors behind their decision.
Speaking on behalf of the group, a former APC Legal Adviser, Alhaji Ladi Mustapha, said the state required a leader with proven competence and the ability to unite diverse interests.
“At this critical juncture in Kwara’s political evolution, we believe leadership must be entrusted to an individual with integrity, experience and capacity. After careful evaluation, Bolarinwa stands out among other contenders,” he said.
Bolarinwa’s political career spans over two decades, beginning as a councillor before serving two terms as Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government and later as a member of the House of Representatives. He also served as Chairman of the APC in Kwara State in 2018, a tenure the elders described as marked by resilience and effective management.
The aspirant, who formally declared his intention to contest on April 28, 2026, has prioritised insecurity as a central issue in his campaign. He highlighted concerns in Kwara North and Kwara South, where banditry has displaced communities and created humanitarian challenges.
His agenda also focuses on improving healthcare, education, agriculture and social welfare as part of a broader plan for inclusive governance.
The elders further commended his ability to build relationships across ethnic, religious and political lines, noting his engagement with traditional rulers, youth groups and grassroots communities.
A former Deputy Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Mr Raphael Adetiba, said the focus should remain on competence and continuity of development.
“What we need is a leader who can sustain existing achievements and continue delivering the dividends of democracy,” he said.
The elders described Bolarinwa as a leader committed to service, expressing confidence that his leadership would promote unity, growth and sustainable development in the state.
“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.”
