The Senator representing Kwara South in the National Assembly, Oyelola Ashiru, has denied reports that he has withdrawn from the Kwara State governorship race ahead of the 2027 general elections.
NewsWatch Nigeria reports that Ashiru, who recently declared his intention to contest the governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said reports suggesting that he had stepped down were false and misleading.
The clarification followed claims circulated on social media over the weekend that the senator had withdrawn from the contest.
In a statement issued through his legislative aide, Olaitan Adeyanju, and made available to journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, Ashiru urged members of the public to disregard the reports.
The statement, titled, “Re: False claims regarding Senator Ashiru’s withdrawal from Kwara gubernatorial race,” said there was no truth in the claims.
“Our attention has been drawn to unfounded rumours circulating in certain quarters alleging that Senator Ashiru has stepped down from the ongoing gubernatorial race in Kwara State. We wish to state categorically that this claim is entirely false, misleading, and without any basis,” the statement read.
Adeyanju said the senator remained fully committed to the contest and was still actively engaging stakeholders across the state.
The statement explained that political engagement could involve different strategies, consultations and alignments, but stressed that such moves should not be interpreted as withdrawal from the race.
It said Ashiru’s activities within the party and among stakeholders were part of normal political processes ahead of the election.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we are firmly and unequivocally in the race. The outcome of any electoral contest is not determined until the process is concluded and a consensus is reached by the people,” the statement added.
Ashiru’s camp urged supporters, party members and the general public to rely only on verified information and official communication from the senator’s office.
The statement warned against the spread of unconfirmed reports, especially on social media, saying such claims were capable of creating confusion among supporters.
It added that the senator remained focused on his governorship ambition and would continue consultations with party leaders, delegates, stakeholders and the people of Kwara State.
Ashiru recently joined the growing list of aspirants seeking the APC governorship ticket in Kwara ahead of the 2027 general elections.
