2027: Ekiti Bloc pushes for Fair representation in Kwara, youths applaud Gov AbdulRazaq’s security drive

The Kwara-Ekiti Youth Development Forum (KEYDF) has lauded Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for what it described as decisive steps to address insecurity in Ekiti and Oke-Ero Local Government Areas of the state.

The two councils had recently witnessed a rise in kidnapping incidents, prompting the governor to deploy Forest Guard operatives and military personnel to restore calm and safeguard residents.

In a statement jointly signed by KEYDF President, Comrade Abraham Olushola, and the group’s Public Relations Officer, Ọmọoba Adetunbi Lawal-Aníṣulògun, the forum praised the governor’s swift intervention. The group also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving a special military operation in Kwara State.

“The governor’s prompt response to the security challenges has begun to yield positive outcomes. We commend his unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of Kwarans,” the statement read.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, KEYDF called on major political parties to zone the Ekiti/Oke-Ero/Isin/Irepodun Federal Constituency seat to the Ekiti Bloc, citing the principles of equity, fairness, and justice.

The forum noted that since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999, the constituency seat has been consistently occupied by representatives from the Igbomina bloc.

The group listed previous and current occupants of the seat as follows:

• Bola Oni Bashir (1999-2003) – ANPP
• Makanjuola Gbenga Peter (2003-2011) – PDP
• Aiyedun Olayinka Akeem (2011-2015) – PDP
• Olufunke Adedoyin (2015-2018) – APC
• Abdulraheem Olatunji Olawuyi (2018-present) – APC

According to the forum, the time has come for the Ekiti Bloc to produce the next representative in order to ensure balanced representation and accelerated development across the constituency.

KEYDF urged indigenes of Kwara-Ekiti to close ranks and adopt a united position on key political and developmental issues, stressing that cohesion and shared purpose are essential for meaningful progress.

While commending Governor AbdulRazaq for ongoing infrastructure projects in Ekiti and Oke-Ero, the group appealed for increased investment in both physical infrastructure and human capital development.

“This is a defining moment for our region. We call on all stakeholders to rally behind the Ekiti Bloc’s aspiration for the constituency seat,” Comrade Olushola added.

The call has since generated discussions across the constituency, with several stakeholders emphasizing the need for unity and inclusive representation ahead of 2027.