Gbenga Makanjuola Officially Enters 2027 Kwara South Senatorial Race with APC Nomination Form

Former lawmaker Gbenga Makanjuola joins the 2027 race for Kwara South Senate, citing 16 years of legislative experience and a commitment to grassroots service.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 1, 2026, 7:57 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Punch.

Formal Entry into the 2027 Senatorial Contest

Gbenga Makanjuola, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former member of the House of Representatives, has officially declared his intention to represent Kwara South in the Senate. Makanjuola visited the APC state secretariat in Ilorin on Friday to pick up his nomination form and formally present his letter of intent to the State Working Committee. During the meeting, he emphasized that his return to the political arena is driven by a desire for service and the belief that leadership is ultimately determined by divine will and the mandate of the people.

A Record of Performance and Grassroots Integrity

Reflecting on his political history, Makanjuola highlighted his reputation for integrity and performance-based campaigning. He noted that in his previous successful elections, he relied on grassroots support rather than financial inducement, claiming that no delegate received payment in exchange for their vote. The former lawmaker described this as a testament to the trust the people of Kwara South have in his leadership. He recalled a post-tenure tour of all 42 wards in his constituency, which he undertook to thank supporters—a gesture he cited as evidence of his accountability and deep connection to his constituents.

Leveraging National Assembly Experience

Makanjuola brings significant legislative experience to his bid, noting that he has spent approximately 16 years within the National Assembly ecosystem. His resume includes serving as a legislator, a term as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President, and various advisory roles within the Senate leadership. He argued that this extensive background provides him with the necessary insight to navigate the complexities of the federal legislature and effectively protect the interests of Kwara South. "The essence of representation is accessibility and the protection of the people’s interests," he stated during his address to party leaders.