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Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, representing Kwara South and Deputy Senate Leader, has urged political stakeholders in the district to strengthen unity and position themselves strategically for greater influence in Kwara State politics.
Speaking at the Kwara South Stakeholders’ Interactive Meeting in Offa, Ashiru emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement and loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that internal divisions could weaken the district’s standing ahead of the 2027 elections.
“As a people, APC is in our DNA, and it should remain the vehicle through which we drive our political aspirations. We must ensure unity within the party and carry everyone along—elders, youths, and women alike,” he said.
The senator acknowledged that APC’s performance in Kwara South declined in 2023 compared to 2019, citing the rise of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and shifting voter dynamics. He warned that further disunity could harm the district’s chances in future elections.
“Data shows that our losses were not just inflicted by SDP but also benefited the opposition. If we must reverse this trend, we must reposition our party, welcome returnees from SDP, and genuinely integrate new members from PDP and other parties,” he cautioned.
Ashiru called for increased voter mobilization and strategic negotiations to ensure Kwara South remains a formidable political bloc in the state. He also advocated for preserving the legacies of the district’s political pioneers through a foundation and documentary.
“We must honor the sacrifices of those who paved the way for our progress. Their resilience should inspire us to fight for justice, fairness, and a better future for our people,” he said.
The State Chairman of APC, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, echoed Ashiru’s call for unity, emphasizing that internal divisions would weaken Kwara South’s political relevance.
“We need unity in Kwara South. It’s under unity that we can get what we want in the state and put forward the leaders we desire,” he stated.
Fagbemi also urged party members to align with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s vision, cautioning against premature political campaigns that could disrupt ongoing developmental projects.
“Our unity intimidates some people, but we have no choice but to stay united. Let’s focus on development now and leave political ambitions for next year,” he advised.
Ashiru concluded by charging stakeholders to return to their communities with renewed commitment to strengthening APC and ensuring Kwara South’s continued progress.
