Kwara: I Didn’t Pay Delegates To Win Elections – Senate Aspirant

A former member of the House of Representatives and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Gbenga Makanjuola, has declared his intention to contest the Kwara South Senatorial seat in 2027, saying he won past elections without paying delegates. Makanjuola made the declaration during a visit to the party’s state secretariat in Ilorin, where he submitted […]

A former member of the House of Representatives and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Gbenga Makanjuola, has declared his intention to contest the Kwara South Senatorial seat in 2027, saying he won past elections without paying delegates.

Makanjuola made the declaration during a visit to the party’s state secretariat in Ilorin, where he submitted his letter of intent before members of the State Working Committee led by chairman Sunday Adeniran Fagbemi.

Speaking to party leaders and stakeholders, the aspirant said his political journey had been defined by transparency and public trust rather than financial influence.

“To the glory of God, in my previous elections, no delegate collected a penny from me, both at the primaries and the general elections. That, for me, is a testament to God’s favour and the confidence of the people,” he said.

He described his renewed ambition as one guided by faith, insisting that leadership ultimately rests on divine will.

“I am here by the grace of God to indicate my interest to represent Kwara South in the next dispensation. Whatever we say or do, it is only God that determines who leads,” Makanjuola added.

The two-term former lawmaker pointed to his years within the National Assembly and the executive arm of government as a strong foundation for the role.

He noted that his experience spans legislative duties, service as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President, and engagements with Senate leadership.

According to him, the exposure has equipped him with a deep understanding of governance and lawmaking, which he intends to deploy in advancing the interests of Kwara South.

“The essence of representation is accessibility and the protection of the people’s interests. It is about listening to their aspirations and acting with the fear of God,” he said.

Makanjuola also highlighted his grassroots engagement, recalling that he visited all 42 wards in his constituency at the end of his tenure to personally thank constituents for the opportunity to serve.

He assured party leaders of his loyalty and pledged not to disappoint the party or the electorate if given the mandate to contest and eventually be elected.

Responding, Fagbemi described the aspirant as a committed and dependable member of the party, while noting that the process of candidate selection remains open.

“He is a good man, modest and honest. If it were within my power, I would hand him the ticket immediately. But as we all know, it is God who ultimately decides,” the APC chairman said.