Olawoyin's Replacement: APC Stakeholders Rally Support For Oba Magaji Abdulqadir

•••Primary Election Holds Saturday

The All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Ilorin West local government have rally support for brother of late Hon Magaji Olawoyin, Oba Abdulqadir Magaji to stand Party Flagbearer for Magaji Ngeri Constituency ahead of March House of Assembly election.

Kwara APC to replace Olawoyin on Saturday via primaries for Magaji Ngeri Assembly seat

Barring any last minute changes, the Kwara State Chapter of the All Progressives will on Saturday, January 21st conduct a fresh primaries to pick a replacement for the deceased Hon. Magaji Olawoyin who died last week, Fresh Insight has exclusively gathered.

It would be recalled Olawoyin who was until his death the Leader of the 9th Kwara State House of Assembly and candidate of the APC for Magaji ngeri constituency for the March 11, House of Assembly election had died on 9th of January, 2023.

It would be further recalled the party relying on the electoral act which stipulates the replacement of candidates in the eventuality of death within 14 days.

A credible source said “Ilorin West APC stakeholders committee chaired by Barr. Kunle Suleiman, with Hajia Bilikisu Ebira, Engr. Hassan Laro, Alhaji Faari Babtunde, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, Mr. Abdullahi Baboko, Iya Lamule, Alhaja Ayo Agbabiaka, Ibrahim Kale Jimoh among others sat and convened a candidate selection committee, saddled with the responsibility of screening and recommending a replacement was set up.

“The committee which was chaired by Hon. Soliu Bamidele Aluko had Baba Eleyin as Secretary while Alhaji Ibraheem, Alhaji Kawu Fada and Wonder as members respectively.

“The committee on compassionate grounds unanimously recommended the younger brother of the deceased Barr. Abdulkadir Mogaji Olawoyin, as the consensus candidate to replace his brother as the flag bearer of the party, a recommendation which was signed by 4 out of the 5 members of the committee” the source added.

Oba Abdulqadir Magaji was born on March 15, 1969. He holds degree in Law from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and was called to bar in 2000.

He is the Managing Partner of Magaji Gari & co chamber and notary public of the Supreme Court.

Oba Abdulqadir Magaji is a member Nigerian Bar Association, International Bar Association, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria and Institute of Arbitrators (UK)

Our Correspondent gathered majority of the stakeholders agree with the recommendation but insist on formalizing the decision through primary election inline with provisions of new electoral act.

Another source hinted that the unanimous decision to field Olawoyin’s brother did not go down well with some minority section of the Barr. Kunle Suleiman chaired stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Kwara APC has released modalities to follow towards ensuring a rancor free candidate selection process. The party directed all aspirants were directed to pay expression of interest and form fees into the National Party (APC)’s Bank account and submit the evidence of payment to the state Party Secretariat to pick nomination forms.

The party has been scheduled for delegates and Primary Election for Friday and Saturday Respectively.