Kwara 2027: 18 APC Coalitions Urge Sen Oloriegbe To Run

A coalition of support groups within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown its weight behind Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe for the 2027 Kwara State governorship election. They urged party leaders to prioritise competence and experience in the selection process. Addressing a press conference in Ilọrin on Wednesday, spokesperson of the 18 coalition groups, Adigun […]

A coalition of support groups within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown its weight behind Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe for the 2027 Kwara State governorship election.

They urged party leaders to prioritise competence and experience in the selection process.

Addressing a press conference in Ilọrin on Wednesday, spokesperson of the 18 coalition groups, Adigun Adebowale, described its intervention as a “broad-based” move.

The decision, he noted, involved party faithful, professionals, community leaders, youth groups and grassroots mobilisers drawn from across the three senatorial districts of the state.

“This is not a moment for sentiment. It is a moment for clarity, responsibility, and deliberate choice,” he said.

According to him, Kwara State is at a “critical transition point,” acknowledging the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for laying “a stabilising foundation in governance.

“The administration… has laid a stabilizing foundation, restoring fiscal discipline, rebuilding institutional confidence, and repositioning governance structures for better service delivery,” the coalition stated.

It, however, stressed the need for continuity anchored on “capable, experienced, and steady leadership” to sustain and accelerate the gains recorded.

Presenting Oloriegbe as its preferred aspirant, the group said its position was based on “verifiable records, institutional contributions, and a lifelong trajectory of service.”

“It is on this basis that we present… Senator (Dr.) Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe as the most prepared, most competent, and most strategically positioned aspirant,” the coalition said.

The group highlighted Oloriegbe’s tenure in the Senate, noting that his performance stood out despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At a time when leadership must be evaluated through measurable outcomes rather than rhetoric, Senator Oloriegbe’s public record offers a compelling case,” it added.

The coalition particularly referenced his role in health sector reforms, including efforts to expand access to health insurance and strengthen institutional frameworks.

On infrastructure and constituency projects, the group listed the establishment of federal institutions such as a neuropsychiatric hospital in Budo-Egba, a National Health Insurance Authority office, and NAFDAC facilities in the state among others.

“These are not abstract achievements. They represent real economic and social value, creating employment opportunities, improving access to services, stimulating local economies,” the coalition said.

It said Oloriegbe facilitated over 350 federal employment opportunities for indigenes of the state across ministries, departments and agencies “At a time when youth unemployment remains a pressing concern.

Aside governance, the coalition highlighted his contributions to party development, including financial and logistical support for party structures with a four year payment of secretariat rent among others.

The coalition emphasised that its endorsement was not targeted against any individual or group, but aimed at ensuring unity and progress within the party.

“The issue before us is not simply about choosing a candidate. It is about safeguarding the credibility of governance, preserving party unity, and ensuring continuity without stagnation,” it said.

It further stressed the importance of inclusivity across Kwara’s three senatorial districts, noting that leadership must reflect “a genuine commitment to inclusivity, balance, and collective progress.”

According to the group, consultations across communities and stakeholders revealed a common demand for “continuity with improvement, stability with advancement, and leadership that is both accessible and effective.”

“It is our considered position that Senator (Dr.) Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe embodies these expectations,” the coalition declared.

The group called on APC leadership at both state and national levels to adopt merit as the primary criterion in the candidate selection process.

“Kwara State cannot afford regression. Our party cannot afford disunity. The moment demands responsibility and the responsibility demands the right choice,” it said.