The political atmosphere in Asa Local Government witnessed a surge of energy as Hon. Mopelola AbdulMalik Bashir formally declared her ambition to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency during a well-attended gathering in Laduba community.
The declaration drew a broad coalition of stakeholders, including youth groups, women leaders, and community influencers, many of whom openly pledged support for her candidacy under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mopelola, a former Commissioner for Women Affairs and former Commissioner for Water Resources, used the occasion to outline her vision for inclusive representation, grassroots development, and responsive leadership. She emphasized the need for a new political direction anchored on equity, accessibility, and people driven governance.
Widely known for her role as Gender Coordinator of Kwara Must Change, Mopelola has built a strong profile around civic engagement, youth mobilisation, and gender advocacy.
Her involvement in pushing for the Kwara State Gender Composition Law/Framework, which guarantees a minimum of 35% representation for each gender in political appointments, has been frequently cited by supporters as a major milestone in advancing inclusive governance in the state.
The Laduba declaration is being interpreted by political observers as a significant step in consolidating her grassroots support in Asa, with many describing the turnout as a reflection of growing alignment across communities within the local government.
Chants of Eleniyan and visible enthusiasm from attendees underscored what many see as an early unification of key grassroots blocs behind her candidacy. Several speakers at the event described Mopelola as a candidate with both administrative experience and a deep connection to community structures.
Her campaign has also been associated with youth political mobilisation efforts that contributed to the emergence of Rukayat Shittu, reinforcing her reputation as an advocate for youth inclusion in governance.
While the incumbent representative, Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya, remains a strong contender with established political structures, Mopelola’s formal declaration in Laduba appears to have injected fresh momentum into the race.
As consultations and engagements intensify ahead of the APC primaries, the Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency is fast becoming a focal point of political activity in Kwara State, with Asa Local Government now emerging as a key base in the unfolding contest.