Former Kwara State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State. He made the announcement on Monday, April 27, at an event attended by party loyalists and supporters from across the state.
Security as a Top Priority
Bolarinwa, popularly known as BOB, emphasized that protecting lives and property would be a non-negotiable priority of his administration. He stated, "We will decisively tackle and comprehensively address insecurity at all levels, ensuring the safety of lives and property across every part of the state." This comes amid growing concerns over kidnappings and deadly attacks in parts of Kwara.
Focus on Education, Healthcare, and Youth Empowerment
The APC chieftain pledged to invest in human capital development, particularly in education, healthcare, and skills acquisition programs. He said young people and women would be central to his economic plans, adding, "We will invest in education, healthcare and skills acquisition, ensuring that our youths and women are empowered as drivers of growth and stability."
Bolarinwa also promised to strengthen the state's economy through agriculture, innovation, and enterprise development. He highlighted his experience in public service, having served as a councillor, local government chairman, member of the National Assembly, and APC chairman in Kwara, which he believes has prepared him for the governorship.
Call for Collective Support
Addressing party leaders and residents, Bolarinwa called for support, describing his ambition as a collective movement for a better future. He said, "We will build a Kwara where no community feels left behind and where opportunities are available to everyone." He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
The declaration event in Ilorin was attended by several political leaders, party elders, and supporters. The chairman of the BOB 2027 planning committee, Abolaji Afolabi, noted that consultations across the state revealed residents' eagerness for competent and purposeful leadership.
In a related development, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has also declared his bid for the 2027 Bauchi State governorship election under the APC platform, after resigning from the federal administration.
