2027 Afon KWHA: Calls for Fair Representation Grow as Stakeholder Advocates Power Shift to Aboto/Odo-Ode Ward;

Mohamed Jamiu Usman, an APC member from Sapati Ile, Abayawo/Ago-Oja/Budo-Agun/Laduba/Sapati Ile Ward.

The zoning of the Afon Constituency seat in the Kwara State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections, with renewed appeals for fairness, equity, and inclusive political representation across the constituency’s eight wards.

One of the voices adding to the debate is Mohamed Jamiu Usman, an APC member from Sapati Ile, Abayawo/Ago-Oja/Budo-Agun/Laduba/Sapati Ile Ward in Asa Local Government Area, who has called on political stakeholders to consider historical representation in determining the next occupant of the legislative seat.

In his submission, Usman reviewed the political history of Afon Constituency since the advent of democratic representation, noting that several wards have produced members of the Kwara State House of Assembly over the years.

According to the historical outline;

Abayawo/Ago-Oja/Budo-Agun/Laduba/Sapati Ile Ward produced the late Hon. Sulyman Oba Sapati, who served between 1979 and 1983.

Afon Ward was represented by Hon. Memudu Babatunde Baako in 1983.

Ogbondoroko/Reke Ward produced Dr. Muftahu Yahyah in 1983 and later the late Hon. Afolabi Ahmed Giwa, who served between 2011 and 2014.

Ogele Ward produced the late Hon. Ishola Aare Bolaji, who represented the constituency from 2014 to 2019.

Budo-Egba Ward is currently represented by Hon. Yunus Bello Oniboki, whose tenure began in 2023.

The analysis further highlighted that Ila-Oja Ward has produced three lawmakers over the years, including the late Hon. Yekini Alajagusi (1999–2003), Hon. Isiaka Magaji (2003–2011), and Hon. AbdulWahab Opakunle (2019–2023).

However, the review pointed out that Aboto/Odo-Ode Ward and Okeso Ward remain the only two wards within Afon Constituency that have never produced a representative in the Kwara State House of Assembly since the return of democratic governance.

While acknowledging that both wards deserve serious consideration, the contributor argued that Aboto/Odo-Ode Ward currently presents a stronger case based on recent political participation and preparedness.

He noted that the ward produced two aspirants during the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination process for the 2027 House of Assembly election—Hon. AbdulWaheed Jimoh and Alhaja Princess Maryam Abdullahi Yusuf, who emerged as the only female APC aspirant for the Afon Constituency House of Assembly ticket.

According to him, the emergence of multiple aspirants from the ward demonstrates increasing political engagement and readiness to contribute to legislative representation.

The contribution stressed that the appeal is not intended to diminish the aspirations of any ward or political actor but rather to encourage a more inclusive approach that reflects the democratic principles of justice, balance, and equal opportunity.

The writer urged political leaders, stakeholders, party executives, youth organisations, and community leaders across Afon Constituency to carefully consider the historical distribution of political offices while making decisions ahead of the 2027 elections.

He maintained that giving Aboto/Odo-Ode Ward the opportunity to produce the next member representing Afon Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly would help address a longstanding representation gap, strengthen unity among the constituent wards, and reinforce public confidence in democratic inclusion.

As political consultations continue ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle, discussions on equitable representation and power rotation are expected to remain central among stakeholders seeking to promote fairness, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable political development within Afon Constituency.