Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the three senatorial districts of Kwara State have endorsed Dr. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election. The endorsement was announced at a news conference in Ilorin on Sunday, May 3, according to a statement from the BOB Media Office. Party leaders said Bolarinwa's track record and ability to bridge divides distinguished him from other aspirants.
Why APC Elders Endorsed Bolarinwa
Speaking on behalf of the group, former APC legal adviser Alhaji Ladi Mustapha explained that the decision followed extensive consultations across the state. "At this critical juncture in Kwara's political evolution, we firmly believe that leadership must be entrusted to an individual with proven integrity, experience, capacity and a unifying disposition," he said. "After careful evaluation, Bolarinwa clearly stands out above other contenders for the office of Governor." The elders described the endorsement as unanimous, cutting across Kwara North, Kwara Central, and Kwara South.
Bolarinwa's Experience and Party Credentials
Bolarinwa, who declared his governorship ambition on Tuesday, April 28, has submitted his expression of interest and nomination forms to the APC leadership. The governorship aspirant brings more than two decades of public service experience, having served as a councillor, two-term chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, and two-term member of the House of Representatives. The party elders highlighted his tenure as APC chairman in Kwara in 2018, which they said was marked by organizational discipline and effective management.
Security and Welfare Top Bolarinwa's Agenda
Addressing insecurity has emerged as a central theme of Bolarinwa's campaign, particularly in Kwara North and Kwara South, where communities have faced repeated bandit attacks and displacement. His broader agenda also prioritizes healthcare, education, agriculture, and social welfare, with aides describing it as a "people-centred" approach to governance.
Former Kwara Speaker Calls for Competence
Former Deputy Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Raphael Adetiba, emphasized the need for capacity. "What we need is a leader who can sustain the achievements of the present administration and continue delivering the dividends of democracy," he said. The elders noted that Bolarinwa's relationships across ethnic, religious, and political lines, including ties with traditional rulers, youth groups, and professionals, position him to lead an inclusive administration.
The elders added that Kwara needs a leader "rooted in compassion and justice," describing public office as a platform for service rather than personal gain. "Kwara deserves a leader who is tested, trusted and connected to the people. Bolarinwa embodies these qualities, and we are confident that under his leadership, the state will witness inclusive growth, strengthened unity and sustainable development," Mustapha said.
Related Development: Lagos GAC Endorses Hamzat for 2027
In a related development, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the APC in Lagos State, has endorsed Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election. The council adopted Hamzat as its consensus choice ahead of the party's primary election. A statement read: "GAC, the highest advisory body of the APC in Lagos state, has endorsed and adopted Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as its consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election."
