- KMC Iron lady’s Entry In Heats Up Ilorin West/Asa Fed Constituency Race
The race for the Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency seat has taken a decisive turn as Hon. Mopelola AbdulMalik Bashir has officially obtained her Expression of Interest Form under the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling her bold entry into the contest to unseat incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya.
The development has sent ripples through the political landscape of Kwara State, instantly transforming the contest into one of the most closely watched ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Hon. Mopelola, a former Commissioner for Women Affairs and former Commissioner for Water Resources, is widely known for her strong advocacy in gender inclusion and governance reform.
She currently serves as the Gender Coordinator of Kwara Must Change, a leading pro-democracy movement that has significantly influenced civic engagement and political participation in the state.
The group was instrumental in advancing the Kwara State Gender Composition Framework/Law, which guarantees a minimum of 35% representation for each gender in political appointments, a policy widely regarded as a milestone in promoting inclusive governance in Kwara.
Beyond policy advocacy, Mopelola has played a notable role in grassroots political mobilisation, including efforts that contributed to the emergence of Hon. Rukayat Shittu, Nigeria’s youngest lawmaker, further cementing her reputation as a mobiliser of youth and women in politics.
Her decision to obtain the nomination form is being interpreted by supporters as a clear declaration of intent to reshape representation in Ilorin West/Asa.
Many describe her candidacy as a fusion of experience, structure, and reform driven leadership, capable of altering the political equation in the constituency.
While Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya retains the advantage of incumbency, political observers note that Mopelola’s entry introduces a formidable challenge, backed by strong grassroots networks and a growing coalition of women and youth supporters.
With consultations intensifying and alignments shifting across wards and stakeholder groups, the battle for Ilorin West/Asa is rapidly evolving into a high-stakes political contest.
As the APC primaries draw closer, all eyes are now on the constituency, where what once seemed like a routine race has turned into a defining political showdown.