By Demola Akinyemi Ilorin

Former Chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KwGIS), Hon. Akintade AbdulMutalib Shittu, has officially declared his intention to contest the House of Representatives seat for Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The declaration was made on Sunday at Sofoluwe Hall, Offa Grammar School, Offa, where party members, supporters, and stakeholders gathered to witness the announcement.

Shittu said he is well prepared for legislative duties if given the mandate, stressing his experience in governance and lawmaking processes in Kwara State.

He noted that he had previously served as Special Assistant to the Governor, where he contributed to the development of key laws, including the establishment of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KwGIS) and policies on urban planning and land use.

According to him, effective representation at the National Assembly requires strategic engagement, not passive participation.

“You don’t go to the National Assembly to sit idly. You must understand the system, engage strategically, and ensure your constituency benefits from available opportunities,” he said.

He pledged to provide quality representation, improve livelihoods, and ensure balanced development across Offa, Oyun, and Ifelodun local government areas.

Speaking on the political outlook, Shittu expressed confidence in the strength of the APC, praising the performance of the Kwara State Government under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the administration has improved governance and economic stability, citing prompt salary payments and social welfare programmes such as KWASSIP, Owo Arugbo, and Owo Isowo.

He further argued that federal reforms under President Tinubu, including increased allocations to states and initiatives like NELFUND, have strengthened the APC’s popularity nationwide.

Shittu expressed confidence that Nigerians would re-elect President Tinubu in 2027, adding that the APC remains well-positioned for victory across all levels.

Party leaders from the constituency also spoke at the event, urging unity among aspirants and stressing the importance of collective support for whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.

Representatives from Ifelodun, Offa, and Oyun local government areas pledged loyalty to the APC and called for sustained internal cohesion ahead of the elections.