*Photo: Hon. Raheem Ajulo Opin*
The political landscape of Kwara State witnessed a major shift on Saturday as the incumbent member representing Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Raheem Ajulo Opin, lost his bid for re-election after spending about 10 years in the National Assembly.
Hon. Abolarin Ganiyu Gabriel emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the federal constituency, clinching the party’s ticket ahead of the next general election.
The keenly contested primary election, held across the 42 wards in Ekiti, Isin, Irepodun, and Oke-Ero local government areas, attracted widespread attention from party stakeholders, political observers, and supporters across Kwara South.
Results from the exercise showed that Hon. Abolarin recorded impressive victories across several wards and local governments, maintaining a clear lead throughout the collation process.
His closest challenger, Dr. Toba Oloyede, also polled significant votes, while the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Raheem Ajulo Opin, struggled to gain momentum as the contest progressed.
Political observers described the outcome as one of the biggest upsets in recent political developments within Kwara South, considering Ajulo Opin’s long-standing presence in the House of Representatives.
Party members and supporters attributed Abolarin’s emergence to his growing grassroots popularity, accessibility, and strong connection with APC members across the constituency.
Following the official declaration of results, jubilant supporters of Hon. Abolarin stormed various communities across the constituency in celebration, describing his victory as a new beginning for the APC in Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Abolarin Ganiyu Gabriel expressed appreciation to party leaders, delegates, and supporters for the confidence reposed in him.
He assured party members of inclusive leadership, effective representation, and sustained commitment to the development of the constituency if elected at the general polls.
The APC candidate also extended an olive branch to fellow aspirants and their supporters, calling for unity and collective efforts toward ensuring victory for the party in the forthcoming elections.
The outcome of the primary election is widely seen as a significant political development within the APC in Kwara State as political activities ahead of the next electoral cycle continue to gather momentum.