2027: Kwara APC campaigns against violence, rancour

Political groups within the All Progressives Congress in Kwara State have called on political actors to shun violence and rancour as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.

The groups, operating under the aegis of Asa Progressive Movement, made the appeal on Thursday in Afon, headquarters of Asa Local Government Area, during an endorsement programme for Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid and the governorship ambition of former Kwara APC chairman, Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa.

In a communiqué jointly signed by its coordinator, Daud Oladipupo Babatunde, and secretary, Yusuf Akorede, the group stressed the importance of peaceful, issue-based campaigns, warning against actions capable of heating up the polity.

“We are committed to a peaceful, issue-based campaign and urge all political actors to shun violence, hate speech, and any conduct capable of heating up the polity,” the communiqué read.

The group further appealed to stakeholders across party lines to prioritise the collective interest of the state over personal or partisan considerations.

“We call on all well-meaning sons and daughters of Kwara State, regardless of party affiliation, to join this movement for the restoration and advancement of our dear state.

“The 2027 election is about the future of our children and must rise above petty sentiments,” it added.

At the event, the movement also passed a vote of confidence in Bolarinwa and the leadership of the APC, describing the former party chairman as a competent and credible candidate capable of steering the affairs of the state.

“We pass a vote of confidence in Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa and in the leadership of our great party, the APC, for presenting to the people a competent, credible, and compassionate candidate,” the statement said.

The group directed its members across all levels, from the state to polling unit levels, to begin immediate mobilisation in support of Bolarinwa’s governorship ambition.

“All structures of the movement, from state to polling unit levels, are hereby directed to commence immediate and intensive mobilisation for the candidature of Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa. Every member is now an ambassador of this project,” it stated.

Highlighting the rationale behind the endorsement, the group pointed to Bolarinwa’s political experience and track record in public service.

According to the communiqué, his previous roles as councillor, council chairman, member of the House of Representatives, and state APC chairman — during which the party recorded a sweeping victory in the 2019 general elections — demonstrate his leadership capacity.

“Our decision is predicated on Bolarinwa’s proven track record of service… and his desire to tackle the lingering problems of insecurity, youth unemployment, and agricultural revival,” the group noted.

It also cited his integrity, accessibility, and ability to unite diverse interests across the state as key factors behind its decision.

The Asa Progressive Movement concluded by formally endorsing Bolarinwa as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election under the APC platform, expressing confidence that his leadership would promote stability, development, and inclusive governance in Kwara State.