APC Group Advocates for B.O.B to Replace AbdulRazaq as Kwara Governor in 2027
In a significant political development, a faction within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has publicly endorsed Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, popularly known as B.O.B., as the preferred candidate to succeed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in the 2027 gubernatorial election. The group, named "Like Minds," organized a sensitization event in Ilorin, the state capital, to rally support for B.O.B.'s aspiration, emphasizing his potential to rectify perceived developmental imbalances across the state.
Addressing Regional Disparities in Development
Bayo Yusuf Ige, the chairman of the Lagos Mainland Local Government and leader of the "Like Minds" group, addressed journalists during the event. He acknowledged Governor AbdulRazaq's efforts in advancing Kwara Central but lamented that other regions, particularly Kwara South, have been neglected. Ige argued that B.O.B., with his extensive political experience, is uniquely positioned to address this lopsidedness and ensure equitable infrastructure distribution statewide.
"Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is trying and doing well in Kwara Central, but if we give Bolarinwa the opportunity, the problems in Kwara South will be taken care of," Ige stated. He highlighted B.O.B.'s track record, including his tenure as Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government and as a former House of Representatives member, as evidence of his capability to drive growth and development in Kwara State.
B.O.B.'s Political Profile and Grassroots Appeal
Ige further elaborated on B.O.B.'s credentials, describing his political journey as both rich and rare. From grassroots roles as a councillor and local government chairman to national service in the House of Representatives and strategic leadership as a state party chairman, B.O.B. has amassed a wealth of experience. Ige credited his leadership as instrumental in the 2019 "Otoge" revolution, which peacefully ended decades of political dominance in Kwara State, ushering in an era of accountability and inclusiveness.
The group chairman emphasized that B.O.B.'s support is built on merit and consistency, rather than financial inducements or manipulation. "He has neither induced nor imposed himself; rather, he has inspired and impacted lives through decades of dedicated service," Ige noted, urging citizens across party lines to support B.O.B.'s emergence as the next governor.
Debating Zoning Versus Competence
On the contentious issue of zoning, Ige cautioned against allowing sectional sentiments to overshadow statewide competence. He pointed out that from 1999 to 2023, all three senatorial districts in Kwara—North, Central, and South—have actively participated in the governorship process, with candidates emerging based on competitive engagement rather than geographic entitlement.
"Leadership should not be zoned by geography alone, but earned through experience, excellence, and empathy," Ige asserted. He called on the people of Kwara to resist parochial politics and instead embrace principles of performance and purposeful planning. "The future of Kwara State depends on choosing a leader who is tested, trusted, and truly transformational," he added, positioning B.O.B. as a unifier capable of building bridges and surpassing the current administration's developmental strides.
The "Like Minds" group, comprising concerned citizens from Ifelodun Local Government Area in Kwara South, reiterated their belief that Kwara deserves a leader focused on holistic progress. As the 2027 election approaches, this endorsement sets the stage for potential intra-party debates and broader political discussions on governance and equity in the state.
