Kwara 2027: Stakeholder rejects Bolarinwa’s return, warns against “political experiment”

A Kwara State stakeholder, Mallam Kamal Olanrewaju, has rejected calls advocating the return of former All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman, Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, warning that the state cannot afford what he described as a “political experiment” ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a rejoinder responding to recent remarks attributed to the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, Olanrewaju stressed that leadership choices within the party must be guided by competence, loyalty, and a verifiable track record rather than sentiment or political convenience.

He argued that the APC in Kwara State had previously experienced internal crises during the tenure of Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa as state chairman, alleging that the period was marked by division and declining cohesion within the party.

According to him, those advocating for Bolarinwa’s political relevance should reflect on the past rather than attempt to reintroduce what he described as avoidable instability into the party’s structure.

“Leadership is not about ambition alone; it is about proven ability to unite people and sustain trust, especially in difficult times,” he stated, insisting that Kwara’s political future must not be left to experimentation.

Olanrewaju further emphasized that political decisions ahead of 2027 should take into account both loyalty and strategic realities, noting that individuals who remained within the party during challenging periods should be recognized for their commitment.

He also referenced the 2023 presidential election outcome in Kwara, where the APC supported the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attributing the party’s success to the collective efforts of loyal members who stayed and worked for its victory.

While acknowledging the importance of unity within the APC, the stakeholder maintained that unity must be built on trust, consistency, and shared sacrifice rather than what he termed recycled political arrangements.

“Kwara does not need uncertainty or experiments. What the state needs are leaders who stayed, contributed, and demonstrated capacity over time,” he added.

The statement adds to ongoing discussions within Kwara APC circles regarding emerging alignments and potential contenders as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.