Former Kwara Commissioner for Communications and a prominent political leader from Kwara South, Hon. Olabode George Towoju, has firmly opposed calls to zone the 2027 governorship seat to Kwara North.
Towoju described the demand for zoning as “short-sighted and not in line with true democratic values.” He emphasized that the governorship should be “open to all qualified Kwarans, regardless of their regional origin,” advocating for fairness and equal political rights for every citizen.
In a recent interaction with journalists, Towoju expressed his disappointment with certain lawmakers in the Kwara State House of Assembly who have publicly declared support for specific candidates ahead of the elections. “Their primary responsibility is to legislate, not to act as political campaigners,” he asserted. He stated that early endorsements by lawmakers risk distracting from their official duties and blurring the line between governance and partisan politics.
Towoju highlighted an incident where a local government chairman allegedly blocked a ₦200 million project proposed by a Senator, claiming such initiatives require the governor’s approval. “This move is anti-development,” he said, urging the chairman to either step down or propose an equally valuable project. He called on the community affected by the blockage to consider demanding the removal of the chairman, reminding them that “political appointees serve the people and not the other way around.”
Reflecting on the 2019 Òtògé Movement, Towoju acknowledged his involvement and the movement’s success, which he partly attributed to federal support. However, he cautioned against assuming similar political dynamics would automatically play out in 2027. “The genuine will of the people, rather than narrow-minded political agendas, should determine the future direction of Kwara politics,” he emphasized.
On the controversial notion that aspirants need the governor’s approval before contesting, Towoju dismissed it as “absurd and undemocratic.” He pointed out that “party rules allow even a sitting governor to be suspended by his ward if necessary,” underscoring that no one, including the governor, is above the party or the democratic process.
Towoju accused some political players of using the governor’s name to push personal interests, clarifying, “Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is not positioning himself as a godfather but is the recognized party leader alongside State Chairman Chief Sunday Fagbemi.” He stressed the importance of consulting local stakeholders on matters affecting Kwara South, countering rumors about the governor’s supposed endorsements.
He also sharply criticized lawmakers from Kwara South for their lack of meaningful action on insecurity, particularly regarding kidnapping. Towoju questioned, “How can representatives who fail to protect their constituents expect re-election?” He warned that many of these lawmakers might lose their seats in the 2027 elections if they do not improve their performance.
On a positive note, Towoju praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring Kwara’s fair representation in key federal appointments. He also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his leadership and developmental achievements in the state. “I express gratitude to the media for their balanced reporting and urge journalists to continue highlighting issues that require government attention,” he said.
Finally, Towoju confirmed that political consultations are already underway for the 2027 elections. While hinting at his own interest in contesting, he reaffirmed his commitment to supporting any candidate, whether from Kwara South, Central, or North, “who genuinely seeks to serve all Kwarans.” He lamented that some traditional rulers back power shifts despite ongoing insecurity in their communities, calling for “more responsible leadership at all levels.”
