Former Kwara State Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress, APC, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa has formally declared for the 2027 governorship race, throwing his hat into the ring with a strong appeal to experience, tested leadership and widespread grassroots support across the state.
In a declaration that immediately heightened political calculations ahead of the next electoral cycle, Bolarinwa presented himself to a large crowd of supporters in Ilorin Tuesday as a seasoned hand in public service and party administration, saying his ambition is driven by duty, conviction and a desire to serve Kwara at a higher level.
Addressing party leaders, stakeholders, women, youths and supporters Bolarinwa said his bid was not rooted in personal ambition alone, but in a determination to help steer the state through its next phase of development.
He described himself as “a son of the soil” who understands the hopes and struggles of the people, and pledged to offer leadership that is inclusive, fair and people centred.
Bolarinwa’s declaration did not come as a surprise to close watchers of Kwara politics. A longstanding figure in the state’s political landscape, he enters the race with a résumé many supporters say is difficult to ignore. From his early days as a councillor to serving as a local government chairman, a member of the House of Representatives and later chairman of the ruling APC in the state, Bolarinwa has built a career around grassroots mobilisation, party structure management and public service.
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That political pedigree is now at the heart of his governorship push.
His supporters argue that few aspirants can match his breadth of experience across the different layers of governance. They point to his role in strengthening party structures and his influence during the political realignments that reshaped Kwara politics as evidence that he is not only experienced, but battle tested.
In his speech, Bolarinwa made a deliberate effort to shift attention beyond power politics to governance, saying Kwara must now focus on deepening development, widening opportunity and ensuring that no part of the state is left behind.
He outlined a vision anchored on improved security, peace and fairness, transparent governance, economic expansion through agriculture and enterprise, better education and healthcare, stronger infrastructure, and deliberate empowerment for youths and women.
“We must build a Kwara where no district feels left behind; where every child has access to quality education; where our youths are empowered with meaningful opportunities; where our farmers and traders are supported; and where our economy works for all”, he told a mammoth crowd of cheering party member and supporters who came from Lagos, Abuja and all the 16 local government areas of the state.
The declaration has also drawn strength from what many of his backers describe as his growing acceptability across the three senatorial districts. Following his expression of interest, Bolarinwa embarked on consultations across all local government areas of the state, meeting party stakeholders and mobilising support for his ambition.
Those consultations, according to his supporters, underscored his reach within the party and his enduring connection to the grassroots. At various stops, he reportedly engaged local APC leaders directly, presented his credentials and laid out his agenda, reinforcing the image of a candidate already deeply rooted in the state’s political structure.
For many within the party, that broad engagement is being read as an early sign of political strength.
Bolarinwa’s supporters also cite his acceptability across Kwara North, Kwara Central and Kwara South as a major asset, arguing that his network, coalition-building ability and familiarity with the mechanics of party politics give him a clear edge as the contest gathers momentum.
That momentum received an added boost with the endorsement of the Kwara South Solidarity Movement which backed Bolarinwa for governor and called for the governorship ticket to be zoned to Kwara South Senatorial District.
The group described him as a leader with proven administrative competence, institutional depth and practical experience, saying the state needs tested hands rather than experimental leadership at a time when continuity and stability remain critical.
Bolarinwa, however, struck a careful political tone in his declaration, aligning himself with continuity while positioning himself as the man to consolidate and expand on the gains of the current administration. He praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and said governance must be seen as a continuum.
That message is likely to resonate within APC circles, where loyalty to the party’s existing power structure remains a key factor in succession politics.
Still, the core message of his declaration was unmistakable: Bolarinwa wants to be seen not just as another aspirant, but as a tested politician with the experience, reach and political maturity to lead Kwara.
“To the good people of Kwara State, I offer myself for service — not as a mere promise-maker, but as a tested leader, a listener, and a doer,” he said.
Crediblenewsng.com
