By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

Former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Benjamin Yisa, has criticised political leaders in Kwara North over their agitation for the 2027 governorship seat, saying more attention should be given to the worsening insecurity in the region.

Yisa, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, spoke at a press conference in Ilorin on Wednesday, where stakeholders from Kwara North also declared support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa’s governorship aspiration.

He expressed concern that while insecurity had persisted in Kwara North for over three years, political leaders had not demonstrated similar urgency in addressing the crisis.

“It is unfortunate that while it remains our democratic right to seek political power, the same level of coordination has not been deployed to address the worsening security situation in Kwara North,” he said.

According to him, the region has suffered repeated attacks, killings and abductions by armed groups, forcing residents to abandon their communities in search of safety.

He faulted what he described as a “mega rally” organised to advance zoning demands, arguing that such energy should instead be directed toward tackling insecurity.

“Our people have not been sleeping with both eyes closed. Kwara North has experienced relentless attacks from terrorists and bandits, leading to loss of lives and kidnappings for ransom,” he said.

Yisa insisted that leadership efforts should prioritise security challenges affecting residents rather than political negotiations over zoning arrangements.

He stated that the press conference was convened to declare support for Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, whom he described as a capable and experienced leader.

Earlier, Coordinator of the caucus, Luqman S. Musa, distanced the group from recent rallies and statements backing a Kwara North governorship agenda.

While affirming the region’s right to produce a governor, Musa stressed that such ambition must be based on competence and capacity rather than sentiment or origin.

“The ultimate objective of governance is not merely to produce a governor by origin, but to ensure purposeful leadership that will uplift the region and the entire state,” he said.