Mopelola Begins Stakeholders Engagement After Picking Reps Nomination Form

The race for the Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency seat took a dramatic twist as political stakeholders in Ilorin West engaged in an intense scramble to endorse the nomination form of Hon. Mopelola AbdulMalik Bashir, signaling a surge of momentum behind her candidacy.

What began as a routine procedural exercise quickly escalated into a high energy political moment, with party leaders, ward influencers, and community figures competing for the opportunity to append their signatures to her form, an early indication of shifting allegiances ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.

Eyewitness accounts described a charged atmosphere, as multiple stakeholders openly declared support and sought to be identified with Mopelola’s ambition to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives.

In a calculated and strategic move, Mopelola intervened at the peak of the endorsement frenzy, requesting that certain portions of the nomination form be deliberately left unsigned. According to sources present, she explained that the decision was to accommodate additional stakeholders she intends to meet in subsequent consultations across Ilorin West and Asa.

The request was initially met with resistance from some eager supporters, but was eventually accepted, albeit reluctantly, as stakeholders acknowledged her broader plan to build an inclusive and expansive political coalition.

Observers say the incident underscores not just the intensity of support for Mopelola, but also her methodical approach to stakeholder engagement, prioritizing long term political consolidation over immediate symbolic victories.

Mopelola, a former Commissioner for Women Affairs and former Commissioner for Water Resources, has steadily built a reputation as a grassroots mobiliser and reform-driven leader. As Gender Coordinator of Kwara Must Change, she has been central to advocacy efforts that produced the Kwara State Gender Composition Law/Framework, guaranteeing a minimum of 35% representation for each gender in political appointments.

Her political influence has also extended to youth mobilisation, with structures linked to her movement contributing to the emergence of Rukayat Shittu.

Political analysts note that the endorsement drama reflects a deeper realignment within the constituency, as stakeholders position themselves ahead of what is shaping up to be a highly competitive primary process.

While the incumbent, Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya, remains a significant force with established structures, Mopelola’s rising wave of support is injecting fresh unpredictability into the race.

As consultations intensify and alliances continue to evolve, Ilorin West/Asa is fast emerging as one of the most politically dynamic constituencies in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 general elections