Kwara Governor’s allies dislodge serving Reps in APC primaries 

Rafiu Ajakaye, former spokesperson to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and Abdulquawiy Olododo, former Commissioner for Works, on Saturday emerged winners during the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 polls.

In the Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, Ajakaye recorded a decisive victory over incumbent lawmaker Tijani Ismail. He reportedly dominated results across multiple wards in Ifelodun, Offa and Oyun Local Government Areas, including areas regarded as the incumbent’s strongholds.

In several wards, the margin was wide. At Ipee Ward, Ajakaye polled 1,551 votes while Ismail failed to score. In Erin-Ile South Ward, he secured 707 votes against zero for the incumbent, while at Ile Ire Ward he recorded 300 votes to Ismail’s single vote.

The momentum behind Ajakaye was further strengthened after two leading aspirants from Offa stepped down and directed their supporters to back him, consolidating his lead.

In Ilorin East/Ilorin South Federal Constituency, Olododo also recorded a commanding performance after multiple aspirants withdrew in his favour following consultations with party leaders.

Among those who stepped down were Tajudeen Olesin, Afeez Abolore, Babatunde Ajadi Yakubu and Mashood Gobir.

Olododo went on to secure large margins in key wards. In Magaji Are II Ward, he polled 2,012 votes against incumbent Yinka Aluko’s 312 votes, while in Akanbi V Ward he scored 5,122 votes against 550 votes for the incumbent in a crowded race involving nine aspirants.

In Edu/Moro/Patigi Federal Constituency, former TESCOM chairman Taoheed Abubakar, popularly known as “Car Wash,” was also reported to be leading as results were collated.

However, in Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency, incumbent Muktar Tolani Shagaya retained his ticket after a strong showing, polling 77,625 votes to defeat three challengers. His closest rival, Yakub Amasa Yusuf, scored 6,344 votes.

Across the state, the exercise was largely peaceful, although a brief disagreement was reported in Idofian Ward II of Ifelodun Local Government Area. Party leaders, however, said the situation was quickly brought under control.

Duro Meseko, the APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary and North Central election coordinator, praised the conduct of the exercise, describing it as peaceful and orderly across most areas. He also urged unity among aspirants.

Similarly, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said his
administration’s performance had strengthened the party’s popularity, citing infrastructure and human capital development projects across the state.

Kwara APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, also commended stakeholders for maintaining discipline during the primaries, stressing that the party’s unity remained paramount ahead of the 2027 elections.