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A former Kwara State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (BOB), has formally declared his intention to contest for the governorship of Kwara State in 2027, portraying himself as a proven grassroots politician with the experience, capacity and unifying influence needed to lead the state into its next phase of development.
In a message to party elders, stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders across the state, Hon. Bolarinwa said his decision was guided by a deeply rooted commitment to public service and determination to consolidate and advance the gains of progressive governance in Kwara.
He stressed that his aspiration is not driven by personal ambition, but by long-term service spanning the grassroots, parliament and national institutions.
From his days as a Councilor and two-term Chairman of the Lagos Mainland Local Government, and later as a two-term Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bolarinwa has built a career defined by practical governance and political engagement.
That trip, he noted, equipped him with a rare blend of administrative experience and legislative vision, allowing him to understand governance both at the community level and within the broader architecture of national politics.
His leadership credentials were further cemented in 2018 when he was elected APC Chairman in Kwara State, a role in which he led the party to the historic 2019 general elections. Under his leadership, the now famous “O To Ge” movement reshaped the political landscape of the state, giving the APC a clean sweep and ending years of entrenched political dominance.
Beyond partisan politics, Bolarinwa also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Broadcasting Commission, where he helped strengthen regulatory frameworks and promote professionalism in public service broadcasting. He said this national exposure has broadened his perspective on governance and sharpened his ability to manage complex institutions in a rapidly changing environment.
Academically, Bolarinwa brings intellectual depth to public office, having earned a PhD in International Relations as well as degrees from the University of Ilorin and the University of Lagos.
He says this background has equipped him with the analytical tools and global perspective needed to address the socioeconomic and governance challenges Kwara State faces today.
Throughout his career, he said, he has remained guided by the principles of party discipline, unity and service, consistently placing collective interest above personal gain and working to bridge divides and empower communities.
It is this combination of experience, leadership and ability to bring together diverse interests that, he said, informed his decision to enter the 2027 governorship race.
Hon Bolarinwa expressed confidence that with the support and prayers of stakeholders, the APC will not only consolidate its gains in Kwara State but also secure another decisive mandate in 2027.
He urged party leaders and the people of the state to remain focused on the shared goal of building a Kwara anchored on peace, equity, prosperity and inclusive progress.
Responding to the statement, Kwara APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, commended Bolarinwa’s contribution to the success of the party, especially his role in the “O To Ge” movement, describing him as eminently qualified to succeed the current administration and sustain the gains of democracy.
He also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to a transparent and credible process in selecting its candidate for the 2027 elections.
Last Thursday, APC stakeholders in Kwara North endorsed Hon. Bolarinwa, citing his leadership, competence and compassion as key credentials for the 2027 governorship election.
Stakeholders, under the auspices of Edu APC Progressives e
Patigi APC Like-Minds, made its position known in a press conference
Thursday in Ilorin.
Speaking to journalists, a former Speaker of the Kwara State House of
Assembly, Hon Benjamin Yissa-Ezekiel, described Bolarinwa as “competent, compassionate and capable, with a proven track record of leadership”.
He added that the governorship aspirant possesses the “triple leadership excellence” needed to lead Kwara into the 2027 elections.
Also speaking, Patigi LGA spokesperson Hajia Fatima Gogata said the approval was unanimous among APC supporters.
“This endorsement is not driven by sentiment. It is rooted in proven competence, political experience and unwavering commitment to public service. At a defining moment in Kwara’s political evolution, his
leadership as party president provided direction, unity and structure,” he said.
In his speech, Edu LGA spokesperson, Dr. Mohammed Baba-Lafiagi, reaffirmed what he described as “the complete and total commitment of stakeholders”.
unwavering support” to Bolarinwa as a consensual governorship
candidate.
“Bolarinwa has consistently demonstrated leadership ability, commitment to the ideals of the APC and dedication to the advancement of Kwara. His legislative and executive experience, grassroots connection and wide acceptability across all senatorial districts make him the right candidate,” he said.
