…Backs Tinubu’s reelection bid 

A socio-political group, Aro Meta Development Association, in the Kwara South Senatorial District, under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has endorsed Dr Druyideen Azeez Olaniyi Salako as its preferred governorship candidate for Kwara State in the 2027 general elections, declaring that the district must produce the next governor in the interest of equity and political balance.

The endorsement was announced on Monday at a press conference in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, where the group’s Chairman, Evangelist Sunday Ajileye, disclosed that their decision followed extensive consultations across the three blocs that make up the Kwara South Senatorial District —Igbomina, Ibolo and Ekiti.

Ajileye explained that the association, which is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, was established to promote unity and drive development in the region, noting that its involvement in the political process was necessary to secure fair distribution of resources.

“Our objective is to ensure that Kwara South speaks with one voice and gets its fair share of development. We cannot achieve this without being actively involved in governance and supporting credible candidates,” he said.

The group reiterated its long-standing position that the governorship position should rotate to Kwara South in 2027, arguing that allowing other zones to dominate again would further sideline the district.

“With due respect to other zones, we have been consistent that the next governor should come from Kwara South. It will be politically risky for us not to participate actively, especially when other zones are already mobilising strong contenders,” Ajileye added.

According to him, Kwara South, which has seven out of the 16 local government areas in the state, holds significant electoral influence and must leverage its population strength both within the district and in the Kwara Central.

On the choice of their preferred governorship candidate, the association said Salako emerged as the most suitable among the several qualified aspirants due to his leadership record and wide acceptance across the region.

“Dr Salako has demonstrated a common ability to unite people beyond his immediate constituency. His leadership of the Offa Descendants Union has shown transparency, capacity for project delivery and conflict resolution,” Ajileye said.

He added that Salako’s political structure cuts across all local government areas in Kwara South and extends to Kwara Central, giving him a strategic advantage ahead of both the party’s primaries and the general elections.

“His vision aligns with our aspirations—agro-industrial development, youth empowerment, improved rural infrastructure and balanced growth across the state. At a time Kwara needs healing, his temperament and bridge-building ability stand him out,” he noted.

The association also addressed internal zoning arrangements within Kwara South, supporting the Igbomina bloc’s bid for the senatorial seat and the allocation of the House of Representatives slot to the Ifelodun Local Government Area and the Ekiti axis.

However, it maintained that, for fairness within the Aro Meta structure, the governorship should be zoned to the Ibolo bloc, from where Salako hails.

The group called on other governorship aspirants from the district to step down and rally around, stressing that unity would be crucial to securing victory in 2027.

“Our decision is not to undermine other aspirants. They are all capable, but we urge them to work together with Dr Salako for the overall interest of Kwara South,” Ajileye said.

He warned that internal divisions could cost the district the governorship ticket, adding that “history will not be kind to us if personal ambitions override our collective interest.”

The association also declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, commending his administration’s economic reforms and inclusiveness in governance.

Ajileye said: “Mr President has shown courage in repositioning the economy and has been fair in appointments and projects. For continuity and stability, we stand with him and urge Nigerians to support his second term.”

He expressed confidence that Salako’s emergence would strengthen Kwara South’s voice in the state and usher in inclusive governance across all regions.