Kwara 2027: Bolarinwa promises inclusive governance, better security

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Kwara State, Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election, promising to prioritise security and human capital development if elected.

Mr Bolarinwa, popularly known as BOB, made the declaration during a gathering attended by thousands of supporters, party members and political stakeholders from within and outside Kwara State.

Speaking at the event, the former Kwara APC chairman said his administration would confront insecurity head-on and ensure the protection of lives and property across the state.

According to him, rising cases of banditry, kidnappings and killings in parts of Kwara have made security a top priority for any serious government.

“We will decisively tackle and comprehensively address insecurity at all levels, ensuring the safety of lives and property across every part of the state,” he said.

Mr Bolarinwa also pledged to focus on human capital development through investments in education, healthcare and skills acquisition programmes aimed at empowering youths and women.

“We will invest in education, healthcare and skills acquisition, ensuring that our youths and women are empowered as drivers of growth and stability,” he added.

The governorship hopeful said his decision to join the race was motivated by a desire to serve the people and deepen development across the state.

“Today, I stand before you not just as a politician, but as a son of the soil who understands the struggles and aspirations of our people,” he said.

He described his political career as one built on service, noting that he had previously served as a councillor, local government chairman, member of the National Assembly and later chairman of the APC in Kwara State.

According to him, those experiences have equipped him with the capacity and understanding needed to govern the state effectively.

“Our state stands at a critical point where we must deepen development, expand opportunities, and ensure that governance reflects fairness, inclusion and justice,” Mr Bolarinwa stated.

He further promised to run an inclusive administration that would ensure no part of the state feels marginalised, while also strengthening the economy through agriculture, innovation and enterprise development.

“We will strengthen our economy through innovation, agriculture and enterprise development, while delivering people-centred governance driven by transparency and accountability,” he said.

Mr Bolarinwa appealed to party leaders, stakeholders and residents of the state to support his ambition, describing the project as a collective mission for the future of Kwara.

“This is a collective mission, a movement for a better, stronger and more inclusive Kwara. I cannot do it alone,” he said.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda at the national level.

Earlier, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for BOB 2027,  Abolaji Afolabi, said Bolarinwa’s aspiration reflected the collective desire of the people for purposeful leadership.

“It is about the collective yearning of our people for a Kwara that works for everyone, where opportunity is a right, not a privilege,” Mr Afolabi said.

He added that consultations across the state indicated that residents were ready for competent and inclusive governance.

“We are confident that this is the leadership Kwara needs at this critical moment,” he stated.

The declaration ceremony attracted several political leaders and dignitaries, including former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Benjamin Yisa; former Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Raphael Adetiba; former commissioner for finance and former governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy in Kwara State, Alhaji Isiaka Ayinde Jimoh; Lagos State NURTW Chairman, Alhaji Mustapha Sego; and former President of the Omu-Aran Development Association, Gen. Lasisi Abidoye (retd).

Others in attendance included APC elders, former local government chairmen and political stakeholders from across the state.