The Kwara Integrity Movement (KIM) has called for merit-based leadership ahead of the 2027 governorship election, urging stakeholders to prioritize competence over zoning.
This was stated by the Chairman of the movement, Hon. Oniwara Ibrahim Babatunde, during a press conference held on Monday in Ilorin.
Babatunde noted that the movement stands for fairness, transparency, good governance, and the collective wellbeing and development of Kwara State.
He emphasized that Kwara must rise above what he termed outdated political considerations and focus on leadership qualities such as vision, character, and capacity, adding that the focus should not be on the birthplace of aspirants but on their competence.
Babatunde questioned the motive behind the push for zoning, asking whether it was genuinely in the interest of Kwara North or driven by personal ambitions, stating that any claim of marginalization must be backed by verifiable facts.
He pointed out that leadership is earned through service and credibility, not distributed as an entitlement, while maintaining that power should not be allocated by sentiment but won through democratic processes.
The KIM chairman also addressed claims that Kwara has practiced zoning in previous elections. He said historical records showed that all senatorial districts had consistently contested the governorship since 1999, noting that the state has always operated an open and competitive electoral process. He affirmed that zoning has never been part of Kwara’s political system.
Babatunde reiterated that the movement was not advocating entitlement politics or calling for any exclusive rights for any zone, stressing that Kwara deserves its best candidate, regardless of senatorial district.
He stated that the group’s position was rooted in democracy and merit, adding that competence must take precedence over geographical considerations.
Babatunde also raised concerns over what he described as a creeping trend of traditional rulers being drawn into partisan politics, emphasizing that their involvement in political advocacy posed risks to institutions meant to remain neutral.
He insisted that traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil servants must be insulated from political interference to preserve institutional integrity.
Babatunde reaffirmed that KIM wants a free and competitive governorship election where every qualified aspirant can contest without restrictions. He also reiterated that the movement opposes any arrangement that limits opportunity or undermines democratic values.
According to him, Kwara’s future must not be reduced to sectional politics, adding that only visionary and competent leadership can drive the state’s development.
He urged credible individuals from all parts of Kwara—North, South, and Central, to participate in the 2027 governorship race, stressing that the state must always come first.
