The Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Caucus has listed: electability, experience and grassroots supports as factors making Hon. Abdul-Raheem Tunji Olawuyi a preferred candidate for the APC’s Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Constituency.

 

A memorandum signed by the Kwara State APC Elders Caucus urged the party’s leadership to prioritise the factors as the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

 

The memorandum, copied the party’s national and state leaders, appealed for a decision “guided by the broader political realities, historical context and strategic interests of the APC,” insisting that Olawuyi remains the party’s strongest electoral asset in the constituency.

 

According to them: “Olawuyi has consistently demonstrated the qualities required to secure victory for the APC through years of dedicated public service, successful electoral outings, effective legislative representation and unwavering commitment to the party.”

 

The elders stressed that while recommendations from respected party leaders deserve due consideration, “the APC’s established tradition of collective leadership and institutional decision-making should ultimately guide the selection of its candidates in the interest of party unity, stability and electoral success,” it urged.

 

They described Olawuyi as one of the most deeply rooted political figures in the constituency, noting that his popularity is built on years of visible representation, impactful constituency projects, empowerment programmes and sustained engagement with communities across the four local government areas making the constituency.

 

It argued that his strong grassroots network, accessibility and widespread acceptance among constituents have translated into repeated electoral victories and significantly strengthened the party’s presence in the federal constituency.

 

The caucus further maintained that continuity in effective representation would provide stability, preserve ongoing developmental initiatives and enhance the constituency’s legislative influence at the National Assembly.

 

However, the elders acknowledged the importance in promoting inclusiveness but cautioned against interpreting the principle of zoning without considering the political history of Kwara South.

 

According to them, Ekiti bloc had already enjoyed substantial political representation, having produced the district’s senator for three consecutive terms, adding that portraying the bloc as politically excluded does not reflect the historical reality.

 

The memorandum questioned arguments against Olawuyi’s aspiration on the basis that both he and the APC’s senatorial candidate are from Irepodun Local Government Area.

 

According to the elders, if the objective is equitable distribution of elective offices across Kwara South, similar attention should be given to Offa Local Government, which they described as the largest voting population in the senatorial district but without any comparable elective office.

 

The APC elders further described Irepodun Local Government as one of the party’s strongest electoral strongholds, saying its consistent support has been instrumental to previous electoral victories and remains indispensable to the party’s success in the 2027 elections.

 

They warned that political decisions should strengthen, rather than weaken, the enthusiasm and commitment of such a critical voting base.

 

The caucus also highlighted Olawuyi’s legislative experience and institutional knowledge, describing them as valuable assets that have enabled him to build productive relationships capable of attracting development and advancing the interests of the constituency.

 

While stressing that the memorandum was not intended to diminish the contributions or aspirations of any party member, the elders maintained that the APC’s overriding objective should remain electoral victory.

 

They argued that candidate selection should be based on proven performance, legislative competence, grassroots acceptability and the ability to retain the confidence of the electorate.