Israel Oluyemi
The All Progressives Congress [APC] chieftain, Dr. Bashir Bolarinwa, has secured the backing of party stalwarts in Kwara North for the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement came in Ilorin during a press conference organised by Edu APC Progressives and Patigi APC Like-Minds.
Former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Benjamin Yissa-Ezekiel, described him as a leader who “is competent, compassionate, capable, and has a good track record in leadership.”
He added that Bolarinwa possesses the “trifecta of leadership excellence” required to lead the state.
Yissa-Ezekiel recalled how Bolarinwa resolved the APC’s 2018 internal crisis by uniting factions and strengthening the party ahead of elections.
Patigi LGA spokesperson, Hajia Fatima Gogata, said the endorsement followed careful evaluation, stating, “This is not an endorsement born out of sentiment. It is one rooted in proven competence, political experience, and unwavering loyalty to public services.”
She noted that his leadership as state party chairman provided “direction, unity and structure” at a critical time.
Gogata pointed to the victories that brought Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to power as “enduring evidence of Bolarinwa’s capacity.”
Edu LGA spokesman, Dr. Mohammed Baba-Lafiagi, reaffirmed support, stating, “Bolarinwa has consistently shown capacity for leadership, commitment to APC ideals, and dedication to the progress of the state.”
He added that his “deep grassroots connection and broad acceptability across all senatorial districts make him the right candidate.”
The stakeholders said Bolarinwa will unite Kwara, sustain the gains of the ‘Oto ge’ movement, and drive further development if elected.