The Omo Ibile Igbomina Association, a prominent socio-cultural organization representing Igbomina indigenes resident in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has thrown its weight behind Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (BOB) as the preferred consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 Kwara State governorship election.

In a press release issued on Sunday and jointly signed by the Association’s Chairman, Dr. Dele Gege, and Secretary, Engr. Femi Oluwaseun, the group said its endorsement followed extensive consultations and a careful assessment of ongoing political developments within the Kwara APC, particularly the decision by ten leading governorship aspirants to embrace a consensus-building process in the interest of party unity.

According to the group, the endorsement of Bolarinwa transcends ethnic considerations and is instead anchored on the collective aspiration to ensure that the APC enters the 2027 governorship race as a united and formidable political force.

“Our support for Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa is based on his proven capacity to unite stakeholders across the state and strengthen the APC’s chances of retaining power in Kwara.

This decision is driven by competence, loyalty, and the broader interest of the party,” the statement noted.

The association described Bolarinwa as a politician with extensive grassroots appeal and longstanding relationships within the APC’s national leadership. It highlighted his close association with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dating back to the Alliance for Democracy (AD) era, noting that such trust and political capital remain valuable assets in the ongoing consensus process.

The group further argued that, given the strategic importance of the governorship ticket, Kwara APC stands to benefit from a candidate whose political pedigree, loyalty, and commitment to the party are already well established and widely recognized.

Omo Ibile Igbomina also praised Bolarinwa’s record of service within the party, particularly his tenure as APC Chairman in Kwara State, where he played a significant role in navigating the political landscape that culminated in the historic 2019 “O To Ge” movement.

The association observed that prominent aspirants, including Senator Saliu Mustapha, Dr. Toyin Tajudeen Alabi, Senator Dr. Yahaya Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Ambassador Yahaya Seriki Gambari, Alhaji Tajudeen Audu, Dr. Azeez Salako, Muideen Olaniyi, Captain Ahmad Mahmud, Hon. Omar Ibrahim Bio, and Barrister Dele Belgore (SAN), would not have agreed to pursue a consensus arrangement if the process lacked credibility and broad acceptability.

It maintained that Bolarinwa remains one of the few aspirants capable of sustaining harmony among all stakeholders after the consensus exercise, citing his cordial relationships across the various political blocs within the party.

The group also emphasized the importance of political stability ahead of the 2027 elections, noting that a consensus-driven emergence of Bolarinwa would help minimize internal disputes, prevent prolonged litigation, and strengthen party cohesion.

Consequently, the association appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the arguments in favour of Bolarinwa’s candidacy and lend his support to the consensus effort currently underway within the Kwara APC.

“Mr. President has consistently demonstrated his commitment to rewarding loyalty, competence, and the ability to build consensus. We believe Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa embodies these qualities and possesses the capacity to unite the party for victory in 2027,” the statement said.

The group further noted that presidential support for Bolarinwa would reinforce the ongoing consensus initiative reportedly being coordinated by Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu and consolidate the support of the aspirants who have already expressed readiness to align behind a common candidate.

While commending Issa-Onilu for his leadership in facilitating the consensus process, the association urged all stakeholders to remain committed to unity, stressing that the APC must avoid the divisions that have previously challenged the party’s progress in the state.

“Kwara APC has experienced the consequences of internal division in the past. The party must now seize this opportunity to strengthen its unity and position itself for another successful outing in 2027,” the statement concluded.