As momentum builds ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State, prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Isin, Ilorin West, and Ilorin East local government areas have declared that Kwara South boasts the most qualified aspirants among the over 15 contenders in the race.

At separate meetings held in Oke Onigbin, Mandate, and Sango areas of Ilorin, party stakeholders endorsed former state APC chairman, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, describing him as the most competent candidate to lead the state. They expressed confidence in his ability to sustain and expand the developmental strides of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

The APC members, under the aegis of Isin Progressive Likeminds, led by Kayode Olaoye, said their endorsement followed extensive consultations, grassroots engagement, and a thorough assessment of the socio-cultural and economic realities of Kwara State.

“We are firmly persuaded that the exigencies of this period demand visionary, inclusive, and transformative leadership—one that transcends sectional considerations and fosters cohesion, equity, and sustainable development across the state,” the group stated.Participants drawn from the 11 wards of the local government resolved to mobilise grassroots support, engage key stakeholders, traditional institutions, community leaders, and opinion moulders to advance Bolarinwa’s governorship ambition.

Similarly, at the Ilorin West stakeholders’ meeting—which brought together party elders, executives, women and youth groups, as well as political actors across the 12 wards—leaders reaffirmed their commitment to backing a candidate capable of shaping the state’s future.
Convener of the meeting, Hon. Ayo Obisesan, alongside APC leader Prof. Yahya Duro Uthman Hambali, said the caucus had resolved to support a candidate with the vision and capacity to drive progress.

“Today is not just another political gathering. We are making history—choosing the future over the past, progress over stagnation, and hope over despair,” Hambali said.
They noted that the endorsement reflects a shared commitment between the people and the candidate.

In Ilorin East, party stalwarts under the umbrella of the Ilorin East Progressive Caucus also declared their support for both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Bolarinwa through a voice vote.
In his remarks, Chairman of the caucus, Chief Babatunde Asanlu, affirmed the group’s backing for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

“Since assuming office, the President has demonstrated courage and vision through bold reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria. Key policies such as fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate reforms, infrastructure renewal, and the student loan programme are laying a solid foundation for national progress,” he said.

On Bolarinwa’s endorsement, Asanlu added: “Hon. Bolarinwa is a tested leader with proven experience, broad acceptance, and strong grassroots connection. He possesses the capacity to lead Kwara State to greater heights.”