Interfaith prayers, APC stakeholders grace Oladipo’s declaration for Kwara Assembly
A blend of Islamic and Christian clerics, alongside chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), converged on Offa, Kwara State, as Hon. Alhaji Oladipo Sharafadeen Babatunde, popularly known as Laka Omo Alubarika, formally declared his intention to contest for the Kwara State House of Assembly seat representing Essa/Shawo/Igboodun Constituency in 2027. The declaration, which held […]
A blend of Islamic and Christian clerics, alongside chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), converged on Offa, Kwara State, as Hon. Alhaji Oladipo Sharafadeen Babatunde, popularly known as Laka Omo Alubarika, formally declared his intention to contest for the Kwara State House of Assembly seat representing Essa/Shawo/Igboodun Constituency in 2027.
The declaration, which held at Film House, Offa, was marked by special prayers and strong party presence, underscoring the growing political momentum within the constituency.
Leading the Islamic prayers, the Chief Imam of Offa, Sheikh Muhyidin Salman Hussein Al-Imam, represented by his younger brother, Alhaji Imam Shamsudeen Salman Husayn (Oba Ilekewu), sought divine guidance and success for the aspirant. Similarly, Pastor Emmanuel Olawale Ajala offered Christian prayers, committing the political ambition to God.
Other clerics who participated in the interfaith session included Pastor Adeniji Nathaniel and Sheikh Salman Al-Subuli, Chief Imam of Musulumi Nfe Alaafia Central Mosque, reflecting a rare show of religious harmony at the political gathering.
The event attracted top APC figures and stakeholders, including the Offa APC Chairman, Alhaji Nasiru Adekunle Moshood (Kunle Papa); Speaker of the Offa Local Government Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Sharafa Olawale Mustapha (Sharon); ward chairmen, party executives, elders, and supporters across the constituency.
In his declaration speech, Oladipo paid glowing tributes to key leaders of the party and government, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, former Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hajia Fareeda Dankaka, and the Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Governor, Hon. Femi Agbaje.
He described his ambition as a call to service rather than a mere political pursuit, pledging to deliver purposeful and people-oriented representation.
“This is not just an ambition — it is a commitment to redefine representation and ensure that governance works directly for the people,” he said.
The aspirant outlined his mission to focus on youth empowerment, job creation, infrastructure development, and inclusive governance. According to him, his legislative agenda will prioritise skills acquisition, ICT training, entrepreneurship support, improved roads, water supply, electricity, and better educational and healthcare facilities.
Oladipo stressed the need for a representative who would serve as “a voice, a bridge, and a driver of development,” noting that the constituency stands at a critical point requiring innovative and impactful leadership.
He further called on party members and constituents to rally behind his aspiration, promising inclusive leadership, real impact, and effective representation if elected.
The well-attended event ended with renewed calls for unity within the APC ranks in Offa, as stakeholders expressed optimism about the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.