By Demola Akinyemi Ilorin

A Socio-cultural group, Aro Meta Development Association, has declared Dr. Muyideen Azeez Olaniyi Salako as its preferred candidate for the 2027 Kwara State governorship election, insisting that the next governor must emerge from Kwara South in the interest of equity and balance.

The group also urged the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC),the Presidency and other stakeholders to consider Muyideen Azeez Olaniyi Salako it considers as the best among other aspirants as its flag bearer in kwara state

Aro Meta made its position known on Monday during a press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre, where it also called for unity among political actors in the southern senatorial district ahead of the crucial poll.

Speaking on behalf of the association, its chairman, Evangelist Sunday Ajileye, described Aro Meta as a platform representing the collective interests of the Igbomina, Ibolo and Ekiti blocs in Kwara South, stressing that the group remains committed to promoting unity and development across the zone.

Ajileye said the decision to endorse Salako followed what he described as a careful assessment of all aspirants from the district, noting that the Offa-born politician stood out in leadership capacity, grassroots appeal and acceptability across the three blocs.

“As Global President of Offa Descendants Union, Dr. Salako has demonstrated rare capacity to unite diverse interests beyond his Ibolo base. His leadership enjoys goodwill across Igbomina, Ekiti and Ibolo blocs, making him the most acceptable rallying point,” he said.

He added that Salako’s administrative experience and track record in community development positioned him as the right candidate to drive inclusive growth in the state.

“His stewardship has been marked by transparency, project delivery and conflict resolution. These are the qualities Kwara needs at this critical time,” Ajileye stated.

The association maintained that Kwara South, with seven out of the 16 local government areas in the state, holds significant electoral strength and should not be sidelined in the 2027 power equation.

While acknowledging agitations from other districts, the group argued that allowing another zone to produce the next governor after Kwara Central’s ongoing tenure would be unjust.

“It will be disastrous for Kwara South candidates to withdraw from the race. Doing so would hand over victory to others, particularly Kwara Central, which is already producing strong contenders,” Ajileye warned.

On zoning within the district, the group endorsed the governorship slot for the Ibolo bloc, while supporting the Igbomina demand for the senatorial seat and backing the allocation of House of Representatives positions to Ifelodun Local Government and the Ekiti bloc.

The association, however, appealed to other governorship aspirants from Kwara South to collapse their ambitions and support Salako in the overall interest of the district.

“Our resolve is not to undermine other aspirants. We urge them to work with Dr. Salako so that Kwara South can present a united front,” Ajileye said.

He further emphasised that unity among stakeholders in the district would be decisive in determining the outcome of the 2027 election.

“Kwara South cannot afford a divided house. History will not be kind to us if internal rivalry costs us this opportunity,” he added.

Beyond the state, the group also declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term bid, commending his administration’s reforms and inclusiveness.

Ajileye said, “President Tinubu has shown courage in laying the foundation for Nigeria’s economic recovery. For stability and continuity, we support his re-election in 2027.”

The association called on all Kwarans to rally behind Salako, expressing confidence that his leadership would ensure balanced development and stronger representation for Kwara South in the state’s political landscape.