The Kwara North All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus has endorsed Dr. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (BOB) as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election, while also throwing its weight behind the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The endorsement was announced on Wednesday in Ilorin by the Coordinator of the group, Malam Lukman Sabi-Musa, who spoke on behalf of APC stakeholders from Edu, Patigi, Moro, Kiama and Baruten Local Government Areas.
Malam Sabi-Musa described Dr. Bolarinwa, who is from Kwara South, as “a leader of proven integrity, administrative competence and unifying capacity,” noting that his track record across both legislative and executive roles sets him apart.
According to him, Dr. Bolarinwa’s contributions during the historic ”O to Ge” political movement, as well as his experience in governance, position him as a credible and formidable candidate capable of delivering inclusive development across Kwara State.
The caucus stressed that while it supports the aspiration for Kwara North to produce a governor, such ambition must not override merit.
“The ultimate objective of governance is not merely to produce a governor based on origin, but to ensure purposeful leadership that will uplift our region and the entire state,” Malam Sabi-Musa said.
He added that competence, independence, credibility and proven capacity must remain the guiding principles in choosing leadership.
The group also reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s second term, aligning itself with his administration’s policies and direction.
At the same time, the caucus dissociated itself from what it described as “recent press statements and hastily-organised rallies” by some individuals claiming to represent Kwara North in pushing for zoning of the governorship to the region.
“We categorically reject these actions and dissociate ourselves from such representations,” Malam Sabi-Musa said.
He alleged that proponents of the zoning agenda were primarily motivated by efforts to secure the governorship ticket through lobbying at state and federal levels.
The coordinator further claimed that some stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, were coerced into attending the rallies through the use of state machinery.
“It is deeply concerning to contemplate leadership that may be constrained or lack the independence required to deliver impactful governance,” he added.
The Kwara North APC Caucus noted that despite years of representation at both state and national levels, the developmental impact in parts of Kwara North remains limited, underscoring the need for a more capable and effective leadership.
He emphasised that governance should transcend ethnic, tribal or sectional considerations.
“The focus must remain on competence and capacity, qualities that not only win elections but also guarantee inclusive governance and equitable development,” he said.
The caucus maintained that Kwara North stakeholders are “resolute, informed and committed” to ensuring that the dividends of democracy are tangible and evenly distributed across the state.