2027 election: New political group emerges in Kwara, seeks redemption
By Saka Laaro, Ilorin
A new political group, the Kwara Redemption Movement (KRM), was launched over the weekend in Kwara State to educate and mobilise citizens ahead of the 2027 elections. The group aims to promote the selection of effective leadership in the state, driven by concerns over inequity, injustice, and unfair distribution of resources.
The movement was inaugurated at E-Phonix Hotel in Ilorin, the state capital. Convener Iyiola Oyedepo emphasised that KRM is not a political party but a socio-political movement designed to inspire the electorate to make informed choices in the upcoming elections.
Comprising academicians, politicians, civil society members, and professionals, the group seeks to make a significant impact on governance in Kwara State. Oyedepo highlighted that, despite Kwara being one of the first states created in 1967 with promising potential, it has fallen short in areas like industry, education, and public service due to mismanagement by successive political leaders, particularly in the third and current republics.
Having previously been a key figure in the ‘O to ge’ movement, which successfully brought current leaders, including Governor Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, to power in 2019, Oyedepo expressed disappointment with the current leadership. He criticised them for failing to uphold the vision of good governance that the movement initially championed.
“The ‘O to ge’ movement did not yield the expected results because its beneficiaries have strayed from the original vision,” he stated. “While we laid the groundwork for this administration, the leaders may not share our commitment to genuine reform.”
Oyedepo lamented the lack of public involvement in governance and the inequitable distribution of resources in the state. He stressed that KRM serves as a vehicle for mobilising citizens towards selecting leaders who will foster a collaborative and equitable environment.
He urged the people of Kwara State to join the movement, emphasizing the need for fair participation and distribution of resources.
“The time is ripe for a new generation of leaders to guide us towards a future where all citizens can contribute to the common good,” he added.
Among the dignitaries present at the launch were Alhaji Taju Makama Lafiagi, a gubernatorial aspirant for the APC in 2019; Rt. Hon. Benjamin Yisa, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly; Dr. Wale Suleiman, Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun; Dr. Hezekiah Oyedepo; Alhaji Lukman Mustapha; Arc Kale Belgore; and Alhaji Tunde Mohammed, among others.
