2027: ‘No Legislator Should Get Automatic Ticket In Kwara South’

The President of Orisun Igbomina, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, has issued a strong warning against the “growing attempts to secure automatic return tickets for sitting legislators in Kwara South ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said such arrangements, if allowed to stand, would undermine internal democracy within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and shut out […]

The President of Orisun Igbomina, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, has issued a strong warning against the “growing attempts to secure automatic return tickets for sitting legislators in Kwara South ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said such arrangements, if allowed to stand, would undermine internal democracy within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and shut out other qualified aspirants with legitimate political ambitions.

Awoyale stressed that no elected official should be presumed entitled to a return ticket without undergoing the full democratic process of screening, consultation, and party nomination.

“Democracy is built on competition and accountability. No position is inherited. Every aspirant must go through the same process and earn the confidence of party members and delegates,” he said.

He warned that the perception of protected incumbency was already generating tension within political circles in Kwara South.

He said the situation was particularly around the senatorial seat in Kwara South amid speculation of multiple political ambitions.

According to him, such political ambiguity fuels uncertainty and weakens trust in the internal structures of the party.

Awoyale clarified that his position was not targeted at any individual but driven by what he described as the need to preserve fairness, balance, and inclusivity across the senatorial district.

He highlighted historical patterns of representation in Kwara South, noting that while the Ibolo and Ekiti blocs have enjoyed comparatively longer tenures in the Senate, the Igbomina axis has had limited representation over the years.

He argued that this imbalance has continued to fuel renewed calls for zoning considerations and equity-driven political adjustments ahead of 2027.

“The conversation around 2027 is not about sentiment. It is about fairness, inclusion, and balancing political representation across all segments of Kwara South,” he stated.

Awoyale also said incumbency should not be mistaken for automatic approval from the electorate, insisting that performance must remain the key determinant for re-election bids.

He said constituents have the right to interrogate the legislative record of serving lawmakers, including their contributions to lawmaking, oversight responsibilities, and constituency development efforts.

“Public office is a trust. Those who occupy it must be ready to account for how they have used it to impact their people. Titles alone are not enough,” he said.

The Orisun Igbomina President urged the APC leadership in Kwara State to ensure a transparent and competitive primary process, warning that any attempt to impose candidates or favour incumbents could deepen internal divisions.

He further called on stakeholders in Kwara South to embrace dialogue and merit-based politics, urging a shift away from “entitlement-driven political culture”.

Awoyale maintained that the 2027 elections should be defined by competence, credibility, and grassroots connection rather than political arrangements designed to protect incumbents.

“The future of Kwara South must be decided by merit, not political monopoly. Leadership must be earned through service and acceptability,” he added.