Group canvases support for BOB’s guber ambition in Kwara
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
A political group, under the aegis of “Like Minds” in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has intensified calls for support of the governorship ambition of Hon. Dr. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, popularly referred to as BOB by his teeming admirers, under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the 2027 general elections, signaling early grassroots mobilisation ahead of the anticipated political season.
The group made the call on Thursday during a well-attended gathering in Omo Ibile Igbomina House, Ganmo, where stakeholders, party loyalists, and community leaders from across the 18 Wards of the Ifelodun government area converged to endorse Bolarinwa’s candidacy.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of Like Minds, Hon. Bayo Yusuf Ige, described the event as more than a routine political meeting, stressing that it symbolised a collective movement driven by shared aspirations for the future of the state.
“This assembly of like-minded citizens from all the 18 Wards of Ifelodun Local Government Area is not merely a meeting; it is a movement. A movement driven by purpose, powered by the people, and pointed towards progress,” he said.
He noted that the growing support for Bolarinwa was rooted in his track record rather than political inducement.
He said: “His support is not built on money or manipulation, but on merit and consistency.
“He has neither induced nor imposed himself; rather, he has inspired and impacted lives through decades of dedicated service.”
Highlighting the aspirant’s political trajectory, Ige said Bolarinwa’s experience cuts across various levels of governance, positioning him as a bridge between grassroots realities and higher-level policymaking.
“Hon. BOB’s political profile is both rich and rare. From grassroots governance as a Councillor and Local Government Chairman, to national service as a Member of the House of Representatives, and strategic leadership as State Party Chairman, his experience spans both executive and legislative arms,” he said.
The group also credited Bolarinwa with playing a pivotal role in the 2019 political shift in the state, widely regarded as a turning point in Kwara’s democratic history.
“His leadership was instrumental in the historic 2019 ‘Otoge’ revolution, which peacefully ended over four decades of political dominance and ushered in a new era of accountability and inclusiveness in Kwara State,” he added.
While commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for sustaining the gains of that transition, the group said the next phase of leadership must consolidate on existing achievements while expanding development across all regions.
“This continuity of progress must now be consolidated with capable and competent leadership as we approach 2027,” he said.
On zoning, the group cautioned against prioritising sectional considerations over competence, warning that such an approach could undermine broader state interests.
“While inclusion is important, we must be cautious not to allow sectional sentiments to suffocate state-wide competence.
“Leadership should not be zoned by geography alone, but earned through experience, excellence, and empathy.
“As a people, we must resist the temptation of entitlement and instead embrace the principles of performance. Progress is not promoted by parochial politics, but by purposeful planning,” he stated.
Reaffirming its position, the group said Bolarinwa possesses the qualities required to unify and advance the state, especially at a time when cohesion and direction are seen as critical.
“Kwara needs a builder of bridges, not barriers; a unifier of people, not a divider of interests,” he noted.
“These endorsements are not accidental; they are affirmations of the admirable attributes and authentic leadership qualities embodied by Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa.”
Drawing from cultural wisdom, he added: “As the Yoruba proverb wisely says, ‘Eni tí ó bá mọ iyi wúrà, là á tà á fún’. In English, paraphrased, we invest our treasure in one who understands its true value.”
He further underscored Bolarinwa’s leadership and mentorship credentials, portraying him as a product of long-term political grooming and practical governance exposure.
“At the grassroots level, he served with distinction… At the national level, he contributed meaningfully as a legislator. As Party Chairman, he steadied the ship during turbulent times and strategically steered the APC to historic victory.”
“A man mentored for nearly three decades under the political tutelage of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hon. B.O.B combines loyalty with leadership, vision with value, and courage with competence.
“Therefore, we respectfully urge him to heed the voice of the people and declare his intention to contest for the 2027 governorship election.
“We also call on all APC members and stakeholders across the state to rally round this reliable reformer who truly understands where the shoe pinches and how best to provide lasting solutions,” he said.
The group also appealed to the state governor for support, describing such backing as crucial to sustaining political stability and continuity.
“We humbly appeal to His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to deploy his goodwill and political weight in support of Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa’s aspiration, in the interest of continuity, competence, and collective progress,” he said.
It further urged the national leadership of the APC to prioritise unity and electability in its eventual decision-making process.
“We call on the national leadership of our great party to prioritize popularity, performance, and party unity by supporting a candidate with the widest appeal and the deepest experience,” he added.
