Prominent leaders from Kwara South have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term in office. They argued that his administration has turned the district and Nigeria at large around.
Speaking at the Kwara South Leaders’ Roundtable in Oro, Irepodun Local Government, on Sunday, the Deputy Senate Leader, Oyelola Ashiru, said the recognition and appointments secured by indigenes of the district under Tinubu’s government are clear signs that Kwara South had found its place at the federal level.
“There will be a new Kwara South. You will be inspired, you will be taught a new lesson, and you will see the changes yourself. If President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not making Nigeria a great nation, I will not remain in APC,” Ashiru declared.
He maintained that the endorsement was not about politics but about progress, stressing that the President had opened doors of development for Kwara South.
“We are saying this because we want Nigeria to be great. The President has recognised us and has done so much for us. The best thing any leader can stand on is the interest of his people,” he added.
Ashiru, while praising Governor AbdulRazaq’s many achievements, declared: “If anyone from Kwara South declares interest in the governorship, I will be the first to support, regardless of the local government.”
Other speakers called for unity as the foundation for development.
The Executive Secretary of the National Institute of Cultural Orientation, Otunba Abiodun Ajiboye, also urged leaders to close ranks, describing unity as the only path to sustainable progress.
He said, “Kwara South desires a platform for unity. Only when we are united can we think of development. We must also appreciate Governor AbdulRazaq for the wonderful job he is doing.”
Former APC Chairman in Kwara State, Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (BOB) aligned with the collective endorsement, saying the district’s leaders had spoken with one voice.
“Genuine, dedicated, courageous, progressive, and forward-looking people of Kwara South have gathered here to endorse President Tinubu for a second term in office, given his track record,” he said.
He, however, condemned the call in some quarters that the governorship slot goes to the north in 2027, asking: “The issue of zoning or rotation is alien to our great party’s constitution; so, who are we to introduce what is not recognised by our party?”
“I align with the views of the speakers here that every Kwara indigene who wishes to contest for the governorship seat should be free to do so without any hindrance,” he urged.
In his lead speech, Chief Abiodun Dada urged that political harmony must remain the priority, saying: “Our elders say one tree cannot make a forest. In the same way, no single town or group can build the future of Kwara South alone. Unity is the very heartbeat of development.”
Dada recalled that Kwara South had never enjoyed political relevance before President Tinubu’s government, referring to the appointments of the Deputy Senate Leader, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Group Managing Director of NNPCL as proof of Tinubu’s all-inclusive administration.
He asked: “Have we enjoyed political patronage like this before?”
“The answer is no. This is a clear indication that Kwara South has a greater future in this dispensation,” he said.
The roundtable ended with a call for stakeholders to work together ahead of 2027, with participants emphasising that Kwara South is blessed with capable leaders ready to take on greater responsibilities at both state and national levels.
