Kwara APC leader cautions against guaranteed re-election for legislators

Gbenga Awoyale, the President of Orisun Igbomina, has warned stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Kwara South Senatorial District against granting automatic tickets to serving National Assembly members ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasizing that democracy must be guided by competition and accountability.

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In a statement issued on Friday, Awoyale stressed that no elected official should be considered entitled to a return ticket without passing through the party's democratic nomination process, highlighting the importance of free choice for party members.

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Awoyale cautioned that the perception of certain serving lawmakers securing automatic return tickets through influence or internal arrangements was unhealthy for party unity and discouraging to other aspirants, emphasizing the need for a level playing field.

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According to Awoyale, every aspirant, whether incumbent or newcomer, must pass through the same party nomination process and earn the trust of delegates and party members through performance, consultation, and political engagement, as "democracy is not hereditary, neither is representation a personal entitlement".

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Concerns have intensified in Kwara South following discussions surrounding the senatorial seat currently occupied by Lola Ashiru, with reports linking him to both the governorship and senatorial contests ahead of 2027, prompting Awoyale to clarify Orisun Igbomina's position on the matter.

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Awoyale noted that the position of Orisun Igbomina was driven by the need to promote fairness, accountability, and regional balance within the district, rather than personal hostility against any individual, with a focus on promoting political equity in conversations surrounding representation in Kwara South.

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He argued that the Ibolo axis had enjoyed extended representation at the Senate, while the Igbomina bloc had only a brief opportunity, emphasizing the need for political balancing and inclusion in the district, particularly with several competent and qualified sons across different local governments capable of offering effective representation.

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Awoyale stated that the agitation for the Igbomina agenda in 2027 is rooted in equity, inclusion, and political balancing rather than mere sentiment, and that incumbency alone should not form the basis for return tickets, especially where there were public concerns regarding performance and impact.

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Public office holders, Awoyale said, must be able to account convincingly for the mandates entrusted to them, with constituents expecting visible legislative impact, quality representation, and tangible developmental contributions to the district, beyond titles and ranking positions.

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Awoyale added that constituents have the democratic right to examine the records of serving lawmakers and determine whether their stewardship justified another term in office, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the democratic process.

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The Orisun Igbomina president appealed to the leadership of the APC in Kwara State to guarantee a transparent and level playing field for all aspirants seeking elective positions in 2027, warning that any perception of imposition or preferential treatment could deepen internal dissatisfaction within the ruling party.

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Awoyale urged political stakeholders across Kwara South to prioritize unity, dialogue, and merit in the build-up to the next election cycle, emphasizing that the 2027 elections should not be about political monopoly or automatic succession, but about advancing the collective interests of Kwara South.

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Awoyale concluded that the 2027 elections should be about who possesses the vision, capacity, fairness, and connection with the grassroots to advance the collective interests of Kwara South, rather than personal interests or political influence.