Supporters of Bashir Bolarinwa Omolaja staged widespread demonstrations across several parts of Kwara State ahead of the rescheduled All Progressives Congress governorship primary, declaring support for his emergence as the party’s flag bearer.

The protests and solidarity rallies, which took place before the primary election was postponed, were reported in different communities including Asa Ward, Ilorin East, Adewole, Alanamu, Saare, Ofa, Omu-Aran, Idofian, Oro and Alapa, among others.

Speaking on the development, writer and political commentator Afeez Oyedepo said the growing support for Bolarinwa reflected the desire of many residents for what he described as “better leadership and good governance” in the state.

According to him, chants in support of Bolarinwa dominated the gatherings across the affected areas, with supporters insisting that the APC primary should produce a candidate capable of addressing insecurity and economic hardship in the state.

Oyedepo alleged that many residents had become dissatisfied with the current security situation, especially the inability of farmers to safely access their farmlands due to attacks and fear of violence.

He also claimed that some party members and residents were opposed to any attempt to impose a political successor on the state, insisting that the people wanted an open and credible process.

“The people want security. They want to return to their farms and take their lives back into their own hands. They want good governance and not a political stooge,” he said.

The protests came amid controversy surrounding Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq over alleged endorsement of a preferred candidate for the APC governorship ticket. While critics accused the governor of backing a candidate in the race, there were also claims that he publicly denied endorsing anyone.

Despite the postponement of the primary election, supporters of Bolarinwa expressed confidence that the momentum generated across the state would translate into victory whenever the exercise is eventually conducted.

They urged party delegates to vote in favour of Bolarinwa, whom they described as a candidate capable of uniting the party and addressing the state’s governance challenges.

The Kwara APC governorship primary was earlier shifted to a later date by party officials, who appealed to members to remain calm and peaceful pending the conduct of the election.