Barely 24 hours after monarchs, political stakeholders and community leaders in the All Progressives Congress (APC), pleaded with other senatorial districts in Kwara State to cede the next governorship to the North, some prominent members of the party in the same Kwara North have distanced themselves from the call, insisting on fair play at the polls.

The Kwara North APC Caucus not only distanced itself from the recent press statements and the Tuesday mega rally in support of the call for Kwara North as the next governor, yesterday, it said such actions do not reflect its official position or the true wishes of stakeholders in Kwara North.

The caucus in a press release hinted that though they desired Kwara North governor, but added that such ambition must be driven by competence, independence, and the ability to deliver real development. It added that leadership should not be about regional sentiment alone, but about effective governance that benefits the entire state.

The press statement was jointly signed by representatives of the Kwara North APC Caucus Groups from Edu, Patigi, Moro, Kaiama, and Baruten Local Government Areas.

The group expressed concern over what it described as a pattern of leadership that has not delivered enough development impact over the years, despite long-standing political representation from the region at different levels of government.

According to the caucus, this calls for serious reflection on the kind of leadership the region supports going forward.

The politicians also alleged that some individuals used political influence to mobilize support, including applying pressure on traditional and religious leaders and political stakeholders to attend a recent rally in Ilorin.

They maintained that “governance should be based on competence, credibility, and proven capacity, not ethnic or sectional interests.”

Consequently, the group, after “due consultations” declared support for Alhaji Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (B.O.B,) describing him as a seasoned politician with experience in both legislative and executive roles. It also pointed to his involvement in the “0 to Ge” political movement as part of his political track record and acceptance within the party structure.

The caucus rejected “attempts to misrepresent its position”, insisting that the people of Kwara North remain focused on leadership that will bring visible development and fair distribution of democratic benefits.

It therefore called on party members and stakeholders across Kwara State to support a leadership choice based on unity, competence, and development, while reaffirming its backing for Bolarinwa’s 2027 governorship ambition.