By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

Members of various political groups within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara South Senatorial District have expressed support for the governorship ambition of former state party chairman, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsements were made during separate meetings held over the weekend in Offa, Offa Local Government Area, and Iloffa in Oke Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State.

At the gatherings, the groups rejected calls for zoning of the governorship position, arguing that the APC constitution does not provide for rotational arrangements. They maintained that any qualified and competent party member should be free to contest elective positions.

According to the groups, the state requires a prepared and people-oriented leader capable of addressing current challenges and opportunities.

Recall that party leaders, former office holders, loyalists, and members of the APC in Moro, Ifelodun, and Ekiti local government areas had earlier held meetings where they endorsed the second-term bid of President Bola Tinubu, alongside Bolarinwa’s governorship aspiration.

Speaking at the events, the leader of the APC Offa Solidarity Movement, Prince Olubunmi Isioye, and the convener of the APC Progressive Network for BOB 2027, Engineer Shittu Muideen, reiterated that zoning is not enshrined in the party’s constitution.

Similarly, a former APC Publicity Secretary, Tajudeen Folaranmi Aro, stated that seeking elective office remains the constitutional right of party members.

“It is a constitutional right for all intending political office holders to seek the mandate of the people. Zoning is a matter of political arrangement and is not binding on aspirants,” he said.

Participants at the meetings described Bolarinwa as a leader with experience in party administration and governance, noting that his entry into the race has generated renewed interest among party members.

Isioye urged party delegates and stakeholders to support a candidate capable of advancing the party’s vision and development goals.

On his part, Muideen highlighted Bolarinwa’s past legislative experience, noting his involvement in policies aimed at youth empowerment, community development, and economic growth.

Also speaking, former Deputy Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Raphael Adetiba, said the state requires focused leadership to address its developmental needs, expressing confidence in Bolarinwa’s capacity to contribute to the state’s progress.

The meetings ended with a call for unity within the party as preparations begin ahead of the 2027 elections.