From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
A socio-cultural group, Aro Meta Development Association, has thrown its weight behind Dr. Muyideen Salako for the 2027 governorship race in Kwara State, declaring that the time has come for power to shift to Kwara South.
Addressing journalists at the NUJ Press Centre, the group said its endorsement followed wide consultations and an assessment of aspirants from the district, stressing that unity among Kwara South stakeholders would be critical to securing victory.
Chairman of the association, Evangelist Sunday Ajileye, described Aro Meta as a platform representing the collective interests of the Igbomina, Ibolo and Ekiti blocs in Kwara South, with a mandate to promote development and speak with one voice.
He said the group’s decision to openly participate in the political process was driven by the need to ensure fair distribution of resources and projects across the state.
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“We have come to the realisation that to truly achieve our development objectives, we must be actively involved in governance and in the selection of credible representatives who will serve our people diligently,” Ajileye said.
On zoning, the group maintained that Kwara South remains best positioned to produce the next governor, arguing that allowing other zones to dominate the race could sideline the district politically.
“With due respect to other zones, we have been consistent that the next governor should come from Kwara South. Anything short of that risks undermining equity and fairness in the state,” he said.
The association also cautioned that internal divisions among aspirants from the zone could weaken their chances at the polls.
“Kwara South cannot afford to go into the 2027 elections as a divided house. If we fail to unite, we may inadvertently hand over the governorship to another zone,” Ajileye warned.
Explaining the choice of Salako, the group cited his leadership record, grassroots reach and ability to unite diverse interests across the three blocs.
According to Ajileye, “Dr. Salako has demonstrated unifying leadership beyond his immediate base. His acceptability across Igbomina, Ekiti and Ibolo makes him the most suitable rallying point for our people at this critical time.”
He added that Salako’s experience in managing community structures and mobilising resources positions him as a capable administrator.
“His track record in organisational leadership, transparency and project delivery shows he has what it takes to govern a complex state like Kwara,” he said.
The group further noted that Salako’s political network extends beyond Kwara South into Kwara Central, giving him what it described as a strong electoral advantage.
“He has built a formidable structure across the seven local governments in Kwara South and maintains strong connections in Kwara Central where many of our people reside. This gives him a clear edge,” Ajileye added.
While appealing to other aspirants to support the consensus candidate, the association insisted its decision was not meant to discredit others.
“All our aspirants are qualified, but we must prioritise collective interest over personal ambition. We urge them to rally round Dr. Salako for the good of Kwara South and the entire state,” he said.
The group also outlined a proposed power-sharing arrangement within Kwara South, supporting the Igbomina bloc for the senatorial seat, allocating a House of Representatives slot to Ifelodun and another to the Ekiti bloc, while zoning the governorship to the Ibolo people in the interest of balance.
In addition, the association declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 general elections, commending his economic reforms and leadership style.
He called on Kwarans to support both Salako’s governorship ambition and Tinubu’s re-election bid, expressing confidence that such alignment would bring greater development to the state.
The group concluded that with unity and strategic political engagement, Kwara South stands a strong chance of producing the next governor and ensuring more balanced development across the state.
