Kwara South stakeholders insist on open contest for 2027 governorship

Leaders of thought and political stakeholders from Kwara South Senatorial District have rejected calls for zoning of the governorship seat, insisting that the office is open to all qualified Kwarans.

Speaking at the Kwara South Leaders’ Roundtable Meeting held on Saturday at Gbenab Hotels, Oro in Irepodun Local Government, the stakeholders declared that there is no provision for zoning in either the party or Nigeria’s constitution, stressing that competence and capacity should remain the only yardstick for the 2027 governorship contest.

The stakeholders meeting, which was convened by Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, the Director General of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), had in attendance major political and community stakeholders from Kwara South Senatorial District including the Senator representing the district, Arch. Lola Ashiru; the Kwara South APC Senatorial District Chairman, Olayemi Olabanji; Hon. Owolabi Rasaq, member of the Kwara State House of Assembly representing Share/Oke-Ode, and a former APC state chairman, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, among others.

While speaking at the event, the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, said that since the creation of Kwara till date, the governorship seat has never been zoned to any particular district. He decried attempts by some political leaders to blackmail the rest of the state on the zoning issue.

“I said it last year, and I repeat it today: there is no zoning arrangement anywhere. We reject it in its entirety. We have competent people everywhere who can govern this state in 2027,” Ashiru declared.

Also speaking, a former APC state chairman, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, said the large turnout of leaders was a clear statement of intent.

“Our various speakers have spoken unanimously. There is no zoning arrangement in our party’s constitution, not to talk of the state. We are forging ahead. We have qualified candidates who can govern this state. We are not timid,” Bolarinwa stated.

The Kwara South APC Senatorial District Chairman, Olayemi Olabanji, emphasized the importance of unity and warned against undermining the district in future political permutations.

“Our unity in Kwara South is a must. You cannot win the Kwara governorship race while underrating Kwara South. I have not seen where Kwara Central or Kwara North LG chairmen and Assembly members endorse a Kwara North candidate. Unfortunately, Kwara South LG chairmen and Assembly members are staging a comedic show for a Kwara North candidate. I am a Kwara Southerner by all standards; anyone who wants our support must negotiate with us,” he stated.

In his own comments, Hon. Owolabi Rasaq, member of the Kwara State House of Assembly representing Share/Oke-Ode, said while insecurity remains a pressing concern in the senatorial district, Kwara South has capable hands to lead the state.

“My main concern is Kwara South, the district I represent. Our people are being kidnapped daily, so I appeal to government to intensify efforts in securing our communities. However, we have capable hands in Kwara South who can become the governor of Kwara in 2027. We are not timid. When it’s time, we shall pass a strong message,” he said.

Barrister Abiodun Dada appreciated President Bola Tinubu for appointments given to indigenes of Kwara South but stressed that the governorship cannot be tied to any senatorial district.

“It is a must we make it clear at this stage that the governorship of Kwara State does not belong to any senatorial district. It is the birthright of every Kwaran. On this note, no emotion or blackmail can work on some of us. There is no zoning arrangement in the constitution or in the guidance of Nigeria’s political system, especially that of Kwara,” he said.

Beyond zoning, the leaders commended President Bola Tinubu for recognising the contributions of Kwara South by appointing sons and daughters of the zone into key positions at the federal level. They described the appointments as a demonstration of fairness and inclusion, noting that such gestures would further strengthen the bond between the region and the APC-led government.

The Roundtable, themed “Unity for Progress: Charting a Sustainable Future for Kwara South”, brought together politicians, community leaders, and other stakeholders who pledged to consolidate unity and assert the senatorial district’s relevance in Kwara’s political equation ahead of 2027.

Their position underscores growing tension over succession politics in the state. While voices from Kwara North have continued to press for a zoning arrangement in 2027, Saturday’s declaration signals that Kwara South intends to compete fully for the seat and resist any attempt to sideline its interests.

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