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To Be Their Next Governor
There is a prominent Kwara politician running for governor under the All Progressives Congress (APC), who has allegedly received presidential approval. In fact, the presidency has directed the party in the state to begin mobilization for him. The individual is none other than Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, from Agbeku in Ifelodun Local Government of Kwara State. The former APC Chairman in the state has an impressive political record. He is one of the few politicians who has won elective positions six times, including Councillor, Local Government Chairman, and House of Representatives member. Dubbed B. O. B, he led the Kwara APC/OTOGE Crusaders to win 34 elective positions during the 2019 general elections. He was instrumental in ending the Saraki dominance in Kwara politics.
As the 2027 governorship election approaches, key APC members across Isin, Ilorin West, and Ilorin East local government areas have stated that Kwara South has the most qualified aspirant among the over 15 contenders. During separate meetings in Oke Onigbin, Mandate, and Sango areas of Ilorin, party stakeholders have endorsed the candidacy of Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, as the most capable candidate to lead the state. They expressed confidence in his ability to continue and further the developmental achievements of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq who bows out of office in 2027.
The ambition of BOB received a renewed boost when a socio-political group, Isin Progressives like a Minds of Elders in Isin Local Government, Kwara State, publicly endorsed him ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a joint statement signed by Chairman Chief Kayode Olaoye and Secretary Prince Otunola Adeleye, the group praised Bolarinwa as a leader with a proven governance track record and a clear vision for Kwara’s development.
They emphasised that BOB has consistently shown a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of Kwarans. His experience in both legislative and executive roles, along with his dedication to people-centered development, positions him as a credible and capable candidate.
The statement highlighted that Kwarans seek a leader who listens, unites, and drives sustainable growth, security, and economic progress. They expressed confidence that Dr. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (BOB) has the necessary experience, competence, and passion to address these priorities effectively.
The group also urged all well-meaning Kwarans, both at home and in the diaspora, to support and encourage Hon. Dr. Bolarinwa to run for governor.
Another group, the Kwara Legacy Group, a key political faction within the state’s ruling party, has officially endorsed the former State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (B.O.B), as its consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The group, with roots dating back to the now-defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), announced this decision in a statement signed by coordinators across the three senatorial districts, including Ayoola Obisesan and Comrade Issah Alfulani. They voiced their disappointment with the lack of recognition their members have received despite their significant sacrifices during the 2019 “O To Ge” political upheaval.
The group justified their choice by emphasising Bolarinwa’s crucial role in leading the opposition to a historic victory in 2019 – a rare achievement in Kwara’s recent history, as no such success had been recorded in nearly twenty years of the Saraki dynasty. They characterised him as a “tested and trusted” leader with a unique combination of legislative and executive experience.
“Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa brings a record of good service as a former Councillor, Local Government Chairman, and Member of the National Assembly,” the statement read. The group also took pride in his academic credentials, noting that as a Ph.D holder, he stands out in the political circle.
Invoking the Yoruba proverb, “Eni to ba mona loye ka tele” (he who knows the road is the one to follow), the group called on Bolarinwa to heed the appeal of his supporters across the 193 wards of the state. They maintained that his leadership is what Kwara needs to consolidate on its current gains and drive future development.
Mr Bolarinwa, popularly known as BOB, formally declared his intention a few weeks back, during a meeting with party stakeholders at the APC secretariat in Ilorin, where he presented his letter of intent.
While addressing party elders, stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders across the state, Mr Bolarinwa said his decision to run for office was driven by his “deep-rooted commitment to public service and a determination to consolidate and advance the gains of progressive governance in Kwara State.” According to him, his aspiration is driven by a lifelong record of public service spanning grassroots, legislative, and national institutions. The aspirant further expressed confidence in winning the 2027 governorship election with the support of stakeholders.
In response to the declaration, the Kwara State APC Chairman, Sunday Fagbemi, hailed Mr Bolarinwa for his contributions to the party’s success in the state.
He also affirmed the party’s commitment to a transparent and credible primary election.
Bashir’s political journey is one marked by experience across multiple layers of governance. As a two-term Local Government Chairman, he built a reputation for administrative competence and people-centered leadership at the grassroots level. His subsequent election as a two-term member of the House of Representatives further cemented his standing as a legislator with both vision and voice—advocating policies and interventions that directly impacted his constituents and also the dint of dedication and leadership earned him former Chairman, Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).
Isaac Abimbade
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