2027: Kwara South Leaders Kick Against Governorship Zoning Arrangement

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Ahead of the 2027 elections, political leaders and 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, the stakeholders declared that there was no provision for zoning in either the party or Nigeria’s constitution.

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, 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.

The leaders in a statement issued Tuesday maintained that competence and capacity should remain the only yardstick for the 2027 governorship contest.

Ashiru, while speaking at the meeting noted 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.

Ashiru added: “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.”

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

He noted: “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.

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

He Said: “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 submission, Hon. Owolabi Rasaq, member of the Kwara State House of Assembly representing Share/Oke-Ode, said while insecurity remained 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 the 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.