Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the three senatorial districts of Kwara State have endorsed Bashir Bolarinwa as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
NewsWatch Nigeria reports that the elders announced their position at a news conference held on Sunday in Ilorin, the state capital.
They said their decision followed what they described as a careful assessment of aspirants interested in the governorship seat, adding that Bolarinwa stood out because of his experience, integrity and capacity for leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the elders, Ladi Mustapha, a former legal adviser of the APC, said Bolarinwa possessed the intellectual depth and administrative experience required to address insecurity, improve education and drive socio-economic development in Kwara State.
Mustapha described the aspirant as a politician widely respected for honesty, sincerity and commitment to the welfare of the people.
He said, “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.
“After careful evaluation, Bolarinwa clearly stands out above other contenders for the office of governor.
“His public and private conduct reflects discipline, transparency, and a deep sense of responsibility, qualities essential for credible leadership.”
Mustapha said Bolarinwa’s political career, which spans more than two decades, had exposed him to different levels of governance and public administration.
He noted that the aspirant had served as a councillor, local government chairman in Lagos State and member of the House of Representatives.
According to him, Bolarinwa also demonstrated competence and resilience while serving as chairman of the APC in Kwara State in 2018.
Mustapha added, “With a political career spanning over two decades, Bolarinwa has served at multiple levels of governance, including as a councillor, local government chairman in Lagos State, and member of the House of Representatives.
“His tenure as chairman of the APC in Kwara in 2018 further demonstrates his resilience, competence, and exceptional ability to manage both human and material resources effectively.”
The APC elders also described Bolarinwa as a unifying figure with strong relationships across the three senatorial districts of Kwara State.
Mustapha said the aspirant had built bridges across ethnic, religious and political divides, adding that such qualities were needed to sustain peace and inclusive governance in the state.
He said Bolarinwa’s connection with traditional rulers, youths, professionals and grassroots communities placed him in a strong position to lead the state.
The elders also cited his role in political mobilisation, describing him as a central figure in past political movements with proven organisational capacity and a deep understanding of Kwara’s political landscape.
Mustapha further described Bolarinwa as a God-fearing leader who sees public office as a platform for service.
He said the former APC chairman’s values were rooted in compassion, justice and a genuine desire to improve the lives of the people.
“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.
Responding to questions, a former Deputy Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Raphael Adetiba, said the APC remained a structured party guided by rules and internal democracy.
Adetiba said while every eligible Nigerian had the constitutional right to contest elective office, the focus should be on competence, capacity and the ability to deliver, rather than senatorial district considerations.
He said, “Kwara has always stood on unity and collective progress.
“What we need is a leader who can sustain the achievements of the present administration and continue delivering the dividends of democracy.”
Adetiba reaffirmed the commitment of APC stakeholders to unity, inclusiveness and the emergence of a candidate capable of sustaining peace and development in Kwara State.
