Kwara APC Chieftain Rejects Automatic Tickets for Lawmakers Ahead of 2027

Kwara APC chieftain Gbenga Awoyale warns against automatic tickets for serving lawmakers ahead of 2027, calling for fairness, accountability, and internal democracy within the party.

By Chisom Adaeze

Fresh political debate is emerging within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State following warnings against any attempt to grant automatic return tickets to serving members of the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

President of Orisun Igbomina, Gbenga Awoyale, cautioned party stakeholders in Kwara South Senatorial District against arrangements that could sideline internal democracy and deny other aspirants a fair opportunity to contest for elective positions.

In a statement released on Friday, Awoyale stressed that democracy must remain rooted in competition, accountability, and the free choice of party members, insisting that no public office holder should automatically assume entitlement to another term without passing through the party’s democratic nomination process.

According to him, every aspirant — whether an incumbent lawmaker or a newcomer — must earn the support of delegates and party members through performance, consultation, acceptability, and active political engagement.

“Democracy is not hereditary, neither is representation a personal entitlement,” Awoyale stated.

The APC chieftain warned that growing speculation suggesting certain lawmakers could secure automatic tickets through political influence or internal agreements was unhealthy for party unity and could discourage credible aspirants from participating in the process.

The comments come amid increasing political discussions surrounding the Kwara South senatorial seat currently occupied by Senator Lola Ashiru, especially as conversations around the 2027 governorship and senatorial contests begin to intensify within the state.

Awoyale, however, clarified that the position of Orisun Igbomina was not targeted at any individual politician but was instead focused on promoting fairness, equity, accountability, and balanced representation within Kwara South.

He argued that political inclusion should remain central to future power-sharing discussions in the district, noting that some blocs within Kwara South had enjoyed longer periods of representation than others.

According to him, the Ibolo axis has produced senators for extended periods through figures such as Bisi Oyewo, the late Rafiu Ibrahim, and Lola Ashiru, while the Ekiti axis also maintained representation for over a decade through Simon Ajibola. In comparison, Awoyale said the Igbomina bloc had only briefly occupied the position through Makanjuola Ajadi.

“The agitation for the Igbomina agenda in 2027 is rooted in equity, inclusion and political balancing rather than sentiment,” he explained.

Awoyale added that the district possesses several qualified and capable individuals who can effectively represent the people, insisting that incumbency alone should not determine who receives the party’s ticket.

He also stressed the importance of accountability, arguing that elected officials must be able to justify their performance through visible legislative achievements, constituency projects, quality representation, and active engagement with the people.

“Beyond titles and ranking positions, the people expect tangible developmental contributions and effective representation,” he said.

The APC chieftain further urged party leaders in Kwara State to ensure a transparent and level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that any perception of imposition or preferential treatment could deepen internal dissatisfaction within the ruling party.

He called on political stakeholders across Kwara South to prioritise dialogue, unity, and merit as political activities gradually build toward the next election cycle.

“2027 should not be about political monopoly or automatic succession. It should be about vision, capacity, fairness, and genuine connection with the grassroots,” Awoyale concluded.