An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Kwara State, Engr. Olufemi Kolawole Sanni, popularly known as ARABA, has described the growing number of aspirants seeking to succeed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as a direct product of the political transformation ushered in by the 2019 “Otoge” movement.

Sanni made the remark in Abuja shortly after the APC governorship screening exercise, where aspirants from across the state participated as part of preparations for the 2027 political process.

Reacting to the emergence of about 16 aspirants linked to the APC ahead of the governorship race, ARABA said the development reflects the expansion of democratic space within the party and growing confidence in Kwara’s political environment.

According to him, the quality, experience, and competitiveness of the aspirants show that Kwara politics has evolved.

“The number of governorship aspirants in Kwara State today is the direct benefit of Otoge,” he said.

He expressed satisfaction over what he described as healthy political competition among accomplished individuals aspiring to lead the state after Governor AbdulRazaq’s tenure, noting that the development signals a vibrant internal democratic culture within the APC.

The aspirants reportedly include former lawmakers, technocrats, businessmen, academics, and political office holders.

Sanni commended party leaders at both the state and national levels for sustaining unity within the APC, while also applauding Governor AbdulRazaq and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing development efforts across the state and the country.

He noted that the achievements recorded under the current administration have helped strengthen public confidence in the ruling party and encouraged more qualified individuals to participate actively in the democratic process ahead of 2027.

The political momentum behind Engineer Femi Sanni, popularly known as ARABA, continues to gather strength across Kwara State as more grassroots groups and strategic political caucuses openly identify with his vision for 2027. In another major boost to his growing governorship ambition, the Hassada Progressive Caucus in Ilorin West Local Government has officially reaffirmed its unwavering support for the ARABA movement.

This endorsement is far from symbolic. The Hassada Progressive Caucus remains one of the most respected grassroots political structures within Ilorin West, known for its deep community reach, strong ward level coordination, and consistent mobilisation strength during elections. Their support signals more than political goodwill; it reflects growing confidence in ARABA’s leadership capacity and acceptance among the people.

Political observers within the state have described the development as another clear indication that the ARABA project is steadily transforming into a statewide movement driven by genuine grassroots conviction rather than elite imposition. While several aspirants are still navigating consultations and internal alignments, Engineer Femi Sanni continues to attract structured support from influential blocs, community stakeholders, youth groups, artisans, traders, and progressive minded political actors across Kwara.

According to leaders of the caucus, their decision to reaffirm support for ARABA was based on his demonstrated competence, accessibility, and people oriented leadership style. They noted that Kwara requires a leader who understands governance beyond rhetoric someone capable of uniting diverse interests while pursuing inclusive development across all senatorial districts.

The endorsement from Ilorin West further strengthens the growing political wave already visible in other parts of the state. From Central to Kwara South and parts of Kwara North, support structures are increasingly aligning behind the ARABA vision. What initially began as a growing political aspiration is now evolving into a coordinated grassroots movement powered by volunteers, caucuses, stakeholders, and ordinary citizens who believe the state deserves purposeful and pragmatic leadership.

For many supporters, the appeal of ARABA lies not only in political calculations but in the perception of preparedness, humility, and capacity to connect with people at every level. His emergence continues to resonate among youths, professionals, market associations, and grassroots party faithfuls who are seeking a new direction built on inclusiveness, development, and sustainable progress.

As the political atmosphere ahead of 2027 gradually takes shape, the message from Ilorin West is loud and unmistakable: the ARABA movement is expanding, the support base is consolidating, and the march toward Government House is steadily gaining momentum.

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As the 2027 governorship race in Kwara State gradually takes shape, the political movement around Engr. Femi Sanni (ARABA) appears to be entering a new phase—one that prioritises structure, coordination, and statewide viability over routine endorsements.

This shift became evident following recent engagements by the Kwara South Legacy Group, whose earlier declaration of support for Sanni has now evolved into a broader mobilisation effort aimed at building a functional political network beyond the Kwara South Senatorial District.

Rather than issuing fresh endorsements, key actors within the group are now focusing on consolidating grassroots structures, aligning with stakeholders across Kwara Central and Kwara North, and facilitating quiet negotiations within party circles.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ interaction, a leading member of the group, Kayode Ogunlowo, hinted at the changing strategy, noting that the next phase is less about public declarations and more about “putting the right political architecture in place.”
“What matters now is not just who supports you, but how that support is organised, sustained, and translated into electoral strength,” he said.

Observers say this marks a critical transition for the ARABA political tendency—from a growing support base to an emerging political machine.

Across parts of the state, there are indications of increased coordination among youth blocs, professionals, and local political influencers, many of whom are said to be integrating into ward-level and local government structures. The emphasis, sources say, is on building a network that can withstand intra-party contests and eventual general elections.

This recalibration also reflects a broader reality within Kwara politics, where early momentum rarely guarantees success without deep-rooted structures and elite alignment.
Political analysts note that aspirants who fail to move beyond symbolic popularity often struggle at the decisive stages of party primaries, where delegate networks, alliances, and strategic negotiations play a defining role.
In this context, the ARABA camp’s current approach appears designed to address those realities—quietly expanding influence while avoiding the fatigue that comes with excessive media visibility.
There are also indications that conversations are ongoing across different tendencies within the ruling party, suggesting that the contest may gradually shift from open mobilisation to behind-the-scenes coalition building.

While it remains early in the electoral cycle, the emerging pattern suggests that the 2027 race may not be won on the strength of endorsements alone, but on the ability of aspirants to build cohesive, cross-regional political structures.

For Engr. Femi Sanni, the challenge—and opportunity—lies in converting early goodwill into a disciplined, statewide political force capable of competing at the highest level.

In a significant turn of events, Plank Sellers Association, Sawmill, Itamo: Ifesowapo, Kwara State have openly declared their support for the governorship ambition of Engr. Femi Sanni, popularly known as ARABA. The endorsement, which came during an interactive meeting with market leaders and stakeholders in the business, reflects increasing grassroots confidence in his leadership vision.

Speaking on behalf of the wood sellers association, the Chairman emphasized the need for a leader who understands the struggles of small and medium scale business operators. They noted that Engr. Sanni’s track record of accessibility, listening leadership, and practical engagement with everyday people sets him apart as a candidate capable of driving inclusive development.

The traders expressing optimism that ARABA’s administration would prioritize policies that support local businesses and improve their working conditions.

The declaration of support from the group adds to the growing list of groups rallying behind ARABA, signaling a widening acceptance of his governorship bid as the 2027 political landscape in the state continues to take shape.

Party stakeholders in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State have officially endorsed Engr. Femi Sanni (ARABA) for the 2027 gubernatorial race.

The endorsement followed a strategic meeting involving party leaders, ward executives, and key grassroots mobilizers, who expressed strong confidence in ARABA’s leadership capacity and vision for the state.

Speaking at the gathering, stakeholders emphasized the urgent need for purposeful and inclusive governance, noting that Engr. Sanni has consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare of the people and sustainable development.

They described him as a leader with proven experience, accessibility, and a deep understanding of grassroots politics, qualities they believe position him as the best candidate to lead Kwara State forward.

The stakeholders also pledged their full support and mobilization efforts across Ilorin East to ensure a successful outing for ARABA at the polls.

The meeting concluded with a call for unity among party members and a shared commitment to achieving victory in the forthcoming election.

Traders from the Kwara North senatorial district based in Ilorin have thrown their weight behind Engr. Femi Sanni, popularly known as ARABA, declaring their support for his gubernatorial ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.

The endorsement, which reflects growing grassroots momentum, highlights the traders’ confidence in ARABA’s leadership capacity, economic vision, and commitment to inclusive governance. According to the group, their decision is driven by the need for a leader who understands commerce, grassroots development, and the economic realities of ordinary citizens.

This development aligns with a broader trend across Kwara North, where different groups including youths and stakeholders have increasingly rallied behind ARABA’s candidacy, citing competence, unity, and development focused leadership as key reasons for their support .

With endorsements coming from multiple fronts, ARABA’s campaign continues to gain traction, positioning him as a strong contender in the race for Kwara State’s top seat.

ABUJA — A major development has emerged in the race for the Kwara State governorship as All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant, Engr. Femi Sanni, popularly known as Araba, on Tuesday formally picked his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms, signaling his official entry into the contest.

Sanni obtained the forms at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel, in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, in what observers described as a strategic and symbolic move that underscores his growing influence within the party.

Speaking shortly after picking the forms, Sanni expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fostering internal democracy within the APC, noting that the current process reflects a commitment to fairness and inclusivity.

“I want to sincerely thank President Bola Tinubu for creating an enabling environment where aspirants like myself can freely express their ambitions. What we are seeing today is a demonstration of true democratic values within our great party,” he said.

He also commended Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for what he described as a level playing field for all aspirants, irrespective of political leaning or background.

“I must also appreciate His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for ensuring a level playing ground for all contenders. This speaks volumes about his leadership style and his commitment to equity within the APC in Kwara State,” Sanni added.

The governorship hopeful further extended gratitude to the APC leadership at both state and national levels for guaranteeing a transparent and inclusive process.

Sanni, who has been consulting widely across the three senatorial districts of Kwara State, said his decision to contest is rooted in a desire to consolidate on existing gains while unlocking new economic opportunities for the people.

“Our consultations across Kwara North, Central and South have been very encouraging. The message from the grassroots is clear — our people want purposeful leadership, economic expansion, and inclusive governance.

That is what we represent,” he said.
Political watchers increasingly regard Sanni as one of the frontrunners in the APC governorship race, citing his growing grassroots support, cross-regional acceptability, and strong engagement with stakeholders across the state.

With the formal acquisition of his nomination forms, the race for Kwara’s top seat is expected to gather momentum in the coming weeks as party primaries draw closer.