Nigeria’s youngest lawmaker, Rukayat Shittu, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Owode/Onire State Constituency seat in the Kwara State House of Assembly after winning the party’s re-election primary.

Shittu secured victory on Wednesday, defeating her only cleared challenger, Sulyman Ayegun, in a contest described by party officials as keenly competitive.

The outcome marks a significant moment for the constituency, which has traditionally operated a rotational arrangement between the Owode and Onire axes—an informal system that often limits representatives to a single term.

Observers say Shittu’s emergence reflects strong support within APC ranks as the party prepares for the general election. Her victory positions her as the party’s flag bearer for the next electoral phase, where she is expected to campaign on her track record and plans for continued representation.

If successful at the polls, Shittu would become the first lawmaker to secure a second term in the Owode/Onire constituency, potentially breaking a long-standing political pattern.

Political stakeholders say the development sets the stage for what could be a closely contested race as parties intensify mobilization efforts.