A former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Bashir Bolarinwa, has declared interest in contesting governorship in 2027.

Mr Bolarinwa, popularly known as BOB, formally declared his intention on Thursday, during a meeting with party stakeholders at the APC secretariat in Ilorin, where he presented his letter of intent.

While addressing party elders, stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders across the state, Mr Bolarinwa said his decision to run for office was driven by his “deep-rooted commitment to public service and a determination to consolidate and advance the gains of progressive governance in Kwara State.” 

According to him, his aspiration is driven by a lifelong record of public service spanning grassroots, legislative, and national institutions.

The aspirant further expressed confidence in winning the 2027 governorship election with the support of stakeholders.

In response to the declaration, the Kwara State APC Chairman, Sunday Fagbemi, hailed Mr Bolarinwa for his contributions to the party’s success in the state. 

He also affirmed the party’s commitment to a transparent and credible primary election.

The Kwara North APC caucus had on Wednesday endorsed Mr Bolarinwa as its candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state. 

The caucus, which also declared its support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, announced its decision during an APC stakeholders’ meeting in Ilorin. 

The meeting had in attendance the caucus coordinator, Lukman Sabi-Musa, and other party leaders from Edu, Patigi, Moro, Kiama and Baruten Local Government Areas of the state. 

The group noted that Mr Bolarinwa’s experience in governance positions him as a credible and formidable candidate capable of delivering inclusive development across Kwara State.

Mr Bolarinwa had served as a councillor and a two-term chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government. He also served as a two-term member of the House of Representatives.

The governorship aspirant, who holds a PhD in international relations, was elected chairman of the APC in Kwara state in 2018. 

He had also served as chairman of the governing board of the National Broadcasting Commission.