Two allies of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq have secured the APC's House of Representatives tickets in Kwara State. Rafiu Ajakaye, former spokesperson to the governor, and Abdulquawiy Olododo, ex-Works Commissioner, won their primaries on Saturday.
Ajakaye defeated sitting lawmaker Tijani Ismail in Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency. He swept across multiple wards, even in areas seen as Ismail's strongholds.
At Ipee Ward, Ajakaye scored 1,551 votes while Ismail got nothing. In Erin-Ile South Ward, Ajakaye claimed 707 votes to Ismail's zero.
Two major Offa aspirants withdrew and backed Ajakaye before voting. Their move strengthened his position considerably.
Olododo also dominated Ilorin East/Ilorin South Federal Constituency after multiple rivals stepped aside. Four aspirants—Tajudeen Olesin, Afeez Abolore, Babatunde Ajadi Yakubu and Mashood Gobir—withdrew in his favour.
In Magaji Are II Ward, Olododo polled 2,012 votes against incumbent Yinka Aluko's 312. At Akanbi V Ward, he secured 5,122 votes despite a nine-way contest.
Former TESCOM chairman Taoheed Abubakar, nicknamed "Car Wash," was leading in Edu/Moro/Patigi Federal Constituency. Results were still being tallied in that race.
Incumbent Muktar Tolani Shagaya retained his seat in Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency. He polled 77,625 votes, far ahead of his closest challenger Yakub Amasa Yusuf's 6,344 votes.
A brief scuffle erupted at Idofian Ward II in Ifelodun Local Government Area. Party officials quickly resolved the matter.
Overall, the exercise remained largely peaceful across Kwara. Duro Meseko, APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary and North Central coordinator, commended the conduct.
Meseko noted that the primaries were orderly in most areas. He called for unity among all aspirants going forward.
Governor AbdulRazaq credited his administration's performance for boosting party popularity. He highlighted infrastructure and human capital projects across the state.
APC Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi praised stakeholders for maintaining discipline during the exercise. According to him, party unity remains critical for 2027 elections.
