2027 AFON KWHA: Concerned Stakeholders Urged to Support Aboto/Odo-Ode Ward as Calls for Equitable Representation Gain Momentum;

By Abdullahi Omotayo Ayinde, APC Member from Ogele Ward

As political consultations intensify ahead of the 2027 Kwara State House of Assembly election, fresh calls for fairness, equity, and inclusive representation have continued to shape discussions within Afon Constituency, with growing advocacy for the emergence of a candidate from Aboto/Odo-Ode Ward.

One of the latest voices to join the conversation is Abdullahi Ayinde Omotayo, an APC member from Ogele Ward, who has appealed to party leaders, stakeholders, and community elders to consider the principle of equitable power rotation in determining the next representative of the constituency.

According to the submission, the political history of Afon Constituency reveals that most of the eight wards have, at different times, produced members of the Kwara State House of Assembly. Historical records indicate that the late Hon. Sulyman Oba Sapati represented Abayawo/Ago-Oja/Budo-Agun/Laduba/Sapati Ile Ward between 1979 and 1983, while Hon. Memudu Babatunde Baako represented Afon Ward in 1983.

The report also recalled that Ogbondoroko/Reke Ward produced Dr. Muftahu Yahyah and later the late Hon. Afolabi Ahmed Giwa, while Ogele Ward was represented by the late Hon. Ishola Aare Bolaji. Budo-Egba Ward currently occupies the seat through Hon. Yunus Bello Oniboki, whose tenure began in 2023.

Similarly, Ila-Oja Ward has produced three lawmakers over the years, including the late Hon. Yekini Alajagusi, Hon. Isiaka Magaji, and Hon. AbdulWahab Opakunle.

However, attention was drawn to the fact that Aboto/Odo-Ode Ward and Okeso Ward remain the only two wards yet to produce a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, despite their consistent contributions to the political growth and electoral successes of the constituency.

While acknowledging the legitimate aspirations of every ward, the appeal argued that Aboto/Odo-Ode Ward presents a compelling case for consideration, particularly in view of its growing political participation and commitment to democratic engagement.

The contribution specifically highlighted Hon. AbdulWaheed Jimoh as one of the prominent aspirants from the ward, noting that his emergence reflects the preparedness of Aboto/Odo-Ode Ward to assume legislative responsibility and contribute meaningfully to the continued development of Afon Constituency.

According to the submission, the advocacy is not intended to undermine the ambitions of aspirants from other wards but rather to encourage a political process anchored on justice, fairness, balance, and inclusiveness.

It urged party leaders, elders, youth groups, women leaders, and other critical stakeholders to carefully reflect on the constituency’s political history and ensure that decisions ahead of the 2027 elections promote unity, strengthen democratic participation, and foster a greater sense of belonging among all constituent communities.

Political observers believe that as consultations continue across Afon Constituency, issues surrounding equitable representation, rotational leadership, and inclusive governance will remain central to discussions as stakeholders seek a consensus capable of sustaining peace, fairness, and political stability within the constituency.