HOUR AFTER ARO META ENDORSEMENT, SEN LOLA ASHIRU DROPS GUBER BID, PICKS SENATORIAL TICKET

Kwara Top Development Association, Aro Meta’s prediction comes true as major Kwara South contender steps down, boosting Dr. Azeez Salako Muideen Olaniyi’s candidacy

Barely one hour after the Aro Meta Development Association publicly endorsed Dr. Azeez Salako Muideen Olaniyi for Governor of Kwara State and projected that several Kwara South gubernatorial aspirants would withdraw to support him, a major political shift has occurred.

Serving Senator for Kwara South and 2027 governorship hopeful, Senator Lola Ashiru, has officially withdrawn from the gubernatorial race. Sources close to the lawmaker confirmed late Monday that he has instead obtained the Senatorial nomination form to seek re-election to the National Assembly.

The development comes on the heels of a press conference held earlier today at the NUJ Secretariat, Ilorin, where the Chairman of Aro Meta Development Association told journalists that the group’s screening exercise across Kwara South had produced a clear frontrunner. 

“We have done our job. Some of those aspirants will withdraw and support Dr Salako’s candidacy. Our declaration today is our result,” the Chairman stated.

With Senator Ashiru’s withdrawal, political observers say Aro Meta’s influence as a consensus-building bloc in Kwara South is now firmly established. Ashiru, considered one of the strongest contenders from the district, had been widely speculated to join the 2027 guber race before today’s reversal.

The swift alignment validates Aro Meta’s claim of deep grassroots reach across the Igbomina, Ibolo, and Ekiti blocs that make up Kwara South. The Association, duly registered with the CAC, had insisted that only a unifier like Dr Salako could guarantee equitable development and party cohesion.

Reacting to the development, a senior member of the Association said: “This is proof that when Kwara South speaks with one voice, the state listens. We said it this morning at NUJ, and it’s happening already.”

As at press time, efforts to reach Senator Ashiru for direct comment were unsuccessful. However, his campaign aides confirmed he will address supporters on his decision to return to the Senate race within 48 hours.

For Dr Salako, the withdrawal removes a formidable rival and signals growing momentum behind Aro Meta’s endorsement.