By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
A Former Kwara State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Bashiru Bolarinwa (BOB) has officially submitted his letter of intent to contest for the 2027 governorship seat of the state under the APC.
Speaking during the submission at the APC secretariat in Ilorin on Thursday, Bolarinwa said his decision was driven by a deep-rooted commitment to public service and a determination to consolidate and advance the gains of progressive governance in Kwara.
The aspirant said he is presenting himself as a tested grassroots politician with the experience, capacity and unifying influence required to lead the state into its next phase of development.
He stressed that his aspiration is driven not by personal ambition, but by a lifelong record of service that spans the grassroots, the legislature and national institutions.
Bolarinwa noted that, from his days as Councillor and two-term Chairman of Lagos Mainland
Local Government, and later as a two-term member of the House of Representatives, he had built a career defined by hands-on governance and policy engagement.
That journey, he noted, had equipped him with a rare blend of administrative experience and legislative insight, enabling him to understand governance both at the community level and within the broader architecture of national policy.
According to the aspirant, his leadership credentials are further cemented in 2018 when he was elected chairman of the APC in Kwara State, a role in which he led the party into the historic 2019 general elections.
He said that the now-famous “O To Ge” movement, under his stewardship, reshaped the political landscape of the state, delivering a clean sweep for the APC and ending years of entrenched political dominance.
Beyond partisan politics, Bolarinwa said he served as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Broadcasting Commission, where he
contributed to strengthening regulatory frameworks and promoting professionalism in public service broadcasting.
He said this national exposure has broadened his perspective on governance and sharpened his
ability to manage complex institutions in a rapidly changing environment.
On academics, the aspirant said he brought intellectual depth to public office, holding a PhD in International Relations in addition to degrees from the University of Ilorin and the University of Lagos.
He maintained that this background has equipped him with the analytical tools and global outlook necessary to confront the socio-economic and
governance challenges facing Kwara state.
Throughout his career, he said, he has remained guided by the principles of party discipline, unity and service, consistently placing collective interest above personal gain while working to
bridge divides and empower communities.
“It is this combination of experience, leadership record and ability to rally diverse interests that informed my decision to enter the 2027 governorship race.
“I am not a novice in governance. I understand the challenges facing our people and where urgent attention is needed,” he said.
Bolarinwa expressed confidence that with the support and prayers of stakeholders, the APC would not only consolidate its achievements
in Kwara State but also secure another decisive mandate in 2027.
He urged party leaders and the people of the state to remain focused on the shared objective of building a Kwara anchored on peace, equity,
prosperity and inclusive progress.
In his remarks, the Kwara State APC Chairman, Chief Sunday Fagbemi, described Bolarinwa as a key pillar of the party in the state.
Fagbemi commended the aspirant’s decision to join the race, noting that the party welcomes healthy competition.
The APC State Chairman added that while consensus remains an option, the party would adopt direct primaries if necessary to select its candidate for the 2027 governorship election. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Rotimi Ijikanmi
