Group urges PDP to zone Kwara Central senatorial ticket to Asa
A coalition of youths within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara Central Senatorial District has called on the party to zone its 2027 senatorial ticket to Asa Local Government Area, citing the need for equity and balanced representation.
The group made the demand on Tuesday at a press conference in Ilorin, where it argued that producing a senator from Asa in the next election cycle would address what it described as a long-standing imbalance in the district’s political representation.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the youths said their position was rooted in fairness rather than sentiment, alleging that senatorial representation in Kwara Central has largely been dominated by a few local government areas — particularly Ilorin West — since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
They noted that Asa Local Government has yet to produce a senator in the Fourth Republic, a situation they said has contributed to its marginalisation in key areas of development, including infrastructure, education and healthcare.
“Asa Local Government remains one of the most populous and resourceful areas in Kwara Central, yet it continues to suffer political exclusion at the senatorial level,” the group said. “This is no longer acceptable in a democratic setting that prides itself on fairness and equity.”
The coalition, which is championing its demand under the slogan “Asa Lokan 2027,” said the agitation should be seen as a call for inclusion rather than division within the party.
According to the group, zoning the PDP ticket to Asa would help address grievances among party members, deepen internal cohesion and strengthen the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
“Equity demands that every part of Kwara Central is given a fair opportunity to lead. Continuous concentration of political power in one axis undermines democratic principles and weakens trust in the system,” it added.
The youths also endorsed Professor Fatai Aremu as their preferred aspirant for the ticket, describing him as a seasoned academic with a strong grasp of governance and legislative processes.
They urged the PDP leadership in Kwara State to adopt a transparent and inclusive zoning formula that recognises Asa Local Government as next in line for the senatorial seat.
The group further appealed to party elders and stakeholders to support what it termed a corrective political arrangement aimed at fostering unity and fairness within the party.
Reiterating its position, the coalition said the 2027 elections present an opportunity to redress past imbalances in Kwara Central politics.
“After over two decades of imbalance, this is the time to do what is right. Asa must not be left behind again,” the group said.
They also called for dialogue and unity among party members to ensure that internal decisions reflect inclusivity and respect for all parts of the senatorial district.
