On Wednesday, a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rukayat Shittu, who is regarded as Nigeria’s youngest lawmaker, emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Owode/Onire State Constituency seat in the State House of Assembly.

Shittu secured victory during the party’s re-election primary held May 20, defeating her only challenger, Sulyman Ayegun, to clinch the APC ticket ahead of the next general election.

The outcome of the primary is considered significant in the political history of the constituency, which has traditionally operated a rotational arrangement between the Owode and Onire blocs, often limiting representatives to a single term in office.

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Party members and observers described the contest as competitive, noting that Shittu’s victory reflected strong backing within the APC ranks.

Her emergence now positions her as the party’s flagbearer for the constituency as campaigns gradually gather momentum ahead of the election.

If re-elected, Shittu is expected to become the first lawmaker from Owode/Onire Constituency to secure a second term, potentially ending a long-standing political tradition in the area.

Political stakeholders said the result of the APC primary has already drawn attention to the constituency, with many anticipating a closely contested election in the coming months.