The Kwara Legacy Group, a formidable political organisation in Kwara State, over the weekend released a statement that it has adopted former Chairman of the party in the state, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (B.O.B), as its consensus candidate for the 2027 Gubernatorial Election, it also called on members of the APC in Kwara State to back an authentic leader of the progressives in the state, for the gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 elections.
In a statement signed by Ayoola Johnson Obisesan, the State Coordinator, the group recalled that before Hon. Bolarinwa (B.O.B.), the progressives were not a force in Kwara State politics.
Giving a background of the group and Bolarinwa’s contributions to progressive politics in Kwara State, Obisesan recalled that the Kwara Legacy Group emerged from the former Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and later adopted the name Legacy Group to keep its members united and focused during political transitions.
‘‘This evolution was not borne out of conflict or bias against any individual or group, but as a steady bridge to preserve shared values and collective strength.
‘‘As politics evolved, the Kwara Legacy Group became part of the foundation upon which the All Progressives Congress (APC) was built in the state.
‘’Its members wereamong the original pillars of the party, contributing structure, mobilisation, and credibility at a time when the APC was finding its feet in Kwara.’’
Obisesan said that in 2014, despite being original members, the Legacy Group made a historic sacrifice.
‘‘In the interest of party unity and victory, it accepted and conceded leadership of the APC in Kwara State to the former Senate President, Bukola Saraki’s group.
‘‘Like a farmer who allows another to harvest early so the barn may be full, the group chose peace and progress over entitlement.
‘‘Ahead of the 2019 elections, when it became clear that the Saraki group was preparing to exit the APC, the Legacy Group rose again to protect the party from collapse and public embarrassment.
‘’Under the leadership of Hon. Bolarinwa (B.O.B), a parallel congress was courageously organised to safeguard the party’s structure and continuity in the state.
‘‘Following the eventual exit of the Saraki group, the Legacy Group, led by B.O.B, demonstrated uncommon magnanimity. It warmly welcomed the decampment of Akogun Iyiola-led PDP members into the APC, as well as Prince Fagbemi’s faction, which included His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The door was opened wide, and no one was shut out.
‘‘Due to the dominance of the new entrants and the selfless posture of the original APC members—largely from the Legacy Group—all major elective positions went to the new members: the governorship, deputy governorship, three senatorial seats, four out of six House of Representatives seats, and 23 of the 24 House of Assembly seats.’’
He said Legacy Group held nothing as its own, yet worked tirelessly for the success of the party. A defining moment was the post-primaries reconciliation meeting where he said B.O.B, knelt to appeal to aggrieved members to sheath their swords and work for the party—a rare act of humility and leadership.
Obisesan said that despite these sacrifices, the Legacy Group has received little or no benefit in thestate.
‘‘From 2014 to date, the Legacy Group has had no tangible opportunity to reflect its years of loyalty and labour.
‘‘Throughout this period, Bolarinwa has remained a central figure—contributing morally, financially, and strategically to both the Legacy Group and the APC.’’
It is in view of Bolarinwa’s sacrifices, experience, and service as the man who led the opposition party to victory in Kwara State—an achievement that had not occurred for almost 20 years—that Kwara Legacy Group wants Bolarinwa as APC consensus gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 elections’’.
Obisesan said Bolarinwa’s vast experience as a former Councilor, Local Government Chairman, Member of the National Assembly, and Party State Chairman, and being a PhD holder, makes him an asset to Kwara.
Legacy Group respectfully call on Bolarinwa to heed this appeal and contest for the Kwara 2027 governorship seat, as he possesses the rare qualities to drive Kwara State forward.
Apart from Obisesan, the State Coordinator from Ilorin West Local Government, other signatories are Olasunkanmi Afolayan, State Secretary, Isin Local Government, Alhaji S. A. Jimoh, Kwara North Coordinator, Moro Local Government, Comrade Issah Alfulani, Kwara Central Coordinator, Ilorin South Local Government and Alh.Yekini Adebayo (Baba Blue), Kwara South Coordinator, Ifelodun Local Government.