- As Rep. Aspirant’s Momentum Sweeps through Asa, Campaign Gains Massive Traction
A female aspirant for the Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hajia Mopelola AbdulMalik Bashir, has declared her intention to challenge the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Muktar Shagaya, ahead of the next election cycle.
Mopelola, a two-time commissioner in the current administration, made the declaration during a media interactive session with journalists in Ilorin on Wednesday.
She assured constituents that she would deliver better representation and outperform the incumbent if given the opportunity to serve in the House of Representatives.
According to her, the constituency is faced with critical developmental challenges that require more aggressive and people-centered representation.
She promised to prioritize access to potable water across the constituency and also pledged to improve educational advancement, particularly by raising the level of NCE attainment among youths in Asa Local Government Area.
The APC aspirant further stated that her experience in public service has equipped her with the capacity to attract meaningful development and address longstanding socio-economic issues affecting the people.
Mopelola maintained that the people deserve responsive leadership that directly impacts their daily lives through practical interventions and empowerment initiatives.
Mopelola’s Momentum Sweeps Through Asa as Reps Campaign Gains Massive Traction
The political momentum surrounding the House of Representatives ambition of Hon. Mopelola AbdulMalik Bashir continues to gather speed across Asa Local Government, with growing support from community stakeholders, women groups, youths, and party loyalists steadily reshaping the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
What initially appeared to be a developing grassroots movement is now evolving into a major political force within the Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, as Mopelola’s consultations and community engagements continue to attract large followership across key areas in Asa.
The former Commissioner for Women Affairs and former Commissioner for Water Resources, popularly known as Eleniyan, has in recent weeks intensified ward level interactions and stakeholder meetings, consolidating alliances and expanding her political reach beyond traditional support blocs.
Residents and political observers in Asa say her growing acceptance is driven largely by her grassroots style of engagement, accessibility, and long-standing involvement in civic and gender advocacy.
Mopelola currently serves as Gender Coordinator of Kwara Must Change, a pro-democracy movement known for its mobilization strength and reform driven advocacy.
The group was instrumental in promoting the Kwara State Gender Composition Law/Framework, which guarantees a minimum of 35% representation for each gender in political appointments in the state.
Her campaign has also gained traction among young voters, many of whom associate her political structure with the emergence of Rukayat Shittu, widely seen as a symbol of youth political inclusion in Kwara State.
Across Asa communities, supporters have continued to openly identify with her ambition, with several local stakeholders reportedly pledging support for what they describe as a “people-centered and inclusive representation agenda.”
Political analysts say the increasing momentum around Mopelola’s candidacy is beginning to alter the internal dynamics of the All Progressives Congress (APC) within the constituency, particularly as consultations ahead of the party primaries intensify.
While incumbent Hon. Muktar Tolani Shagaya remains a strong contender with established political structures, observers note that the expanding grassroots wave around Mopelola is introducing new variables into the contest.
With more consultations expected in the coming weeks, the political climate in Asa and Ilorin West continues to heat up, as early alignments and strategic alliances gradually define what could become one of the most competitive races in Kwara State ahead of 2027.