Elders of the All Progressives Congress across Kwara's three senatorial districts have endorsed Bashir Bolarinwa as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

At a news conference on Sunday in Ilorin, the elders cited his experience and integrity, saying he stands above other candidates vying for the governorship seat in Kwara.

The spokesperson for the elders, Ladi Mustapha, said Bolarinwa possessed the intellectual depth and capacity required to confront insecurity and drive socio-economic transformation and educational advancement in Kwara.

Mustapha, a former APC legal adviser, added that Bolarinwa is widely respected for his honesty, sincerity, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people.

"At this critical juncture in Kwara's political evolution, we firmly believe that leadership must be entrusted to an individual with proven integrity, experience, capacity, and a unifying disposition.

"After careful evaluation, Bolarinwa clearly stands out above other contenders for the office of governor.

"His public and private conduct reflects discipline, transparency, and a deep sense of responsibility qualities essential for credible leadership," he said.

Mustapha added, "With a political career spanning over two decades, Bolarinwa has served at multiple levels of governance, including as councillor, local government chairman in Lagos State, and member of the House of Representatives.

"His tenure as chairman of the APC in Kwara in 2018 further demonstrates his resilience, competence, and exceptional ability to manage both human and material resources effectively."

Mustapha described the aspirant as a unifier who has built strong relationships across the three senatorial districts of Kwara, transcending ethnic, religious, and political divides.

According to him, Bolarinwa's ability to connect with traditional rulers, youths, professionals, and grassroots communities places him in a strong position to foster unity and inclusive governance.

Mustapha also cited Bolarinwa's role in political mobilisation, describing him as a central figure in past political movements with proven organisational capacity and deep understanding of the state's political landscape.

He further described him as a God-fearing leader who views public office as a platform for service, with values rooted in compassion, justice, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of the people.

"Kwara deserves a leader who is tested, trusted, and connected to the people.

"Bolarinwa embodies these qualities, and we are confident that under his leadership, the state will witness inclusive growth, strengthened unity, and sustainable development," Mustapha said.

Responding to questions, a former Deputy Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Mr Raphael Adetiba, said the APC remains a structured party guided by rules and internal democracy.

He emphasised that, while eligible Nigerians have the constitutional right to contest political offices irrespective of senatorial district, the focus should be on competence and capacity rather than regional considerations.

"Kwara has always stood on unity and collective progress.

"What we need is a leader who can sustain the achievements of the present administration and continue delivering the dividends of democracy," he added.

Adetiba reaffirmed the commitment of party stakeholders to unity, inclusiveness, and the emergence of a candidate capable of sustaining peace and development in the state.