Kwara Legacy Group has adopted former state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa as its consensus governorship candidate for 2027 general elections.
The group emerged from the former Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and later adopted the name Legacy to keep its members united and focus during political transitions.
In a statement jointly signed by Ayoola Obisesan, state Coordinator; Olasunkanmi Afolayan, state Secretary; Alhaji S.A Jimoh, Kwara North Coordinator; Alhaji Yekini Adebayo, Kwara South Coordinator; and Comrade Issah Alfulani; the group said they had found Bolarinwa suitable for the governorship race.
According to the group, the Kwara Legacy Group became part of the foundation upon which the All Progressives Congress (APC) was built in the state. Its members were among the original pillars of the party, contributing structure, mobilisation, and credibility at a time when the APC was finding its footing in Kwara.
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 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. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (B.O.B), a parallel congress was courageously organised to safeguard the party’s structure and continuity in the state.
BOB 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.
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 decampees: the governorship, deputy governorship, three senatorial seats, four out of six House of Representatives seats, and 23 of the 24 House of Assembly seats.
The 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 the then state Chairman, Hon. 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.
They lamented that the group has not been given tangible opportunity despite these sacrifices.
Kwara Legacy Group while adopting Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa as their consensus governorship candidate said the former Federal Lawmaker remains a central figure—contributing morally, financially, and strategically to both the Legacy Group and the APC.
“In view of his 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—the Kwara Legacy Group hereby proclaims Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa as its consensus gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 elections.
“A former Councillor, Local Government Chairman, Member of the National Assembly, and Party State Chairman, he brings tested leadership and a record of good service. Educationally, he stands as a source of pride in the political circle, being a Ph.D holder. As the Yoruba adage says, “Eni to ba mọ̀nà l’óyẹ ká tẹ̀lé”—he who knows the road is the one to follow.
“With members across the 193 wards and 16 local government areas, the Legacy Group respectfully calls on Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa (B.O.B) to heed this appeal and contest for the Kwara 2027 governorship seat. Having served in legislative, executive, and party leadership positions, he possesses the rare qualities to drive Kwara State forward,” the group concluded.
