KUSO CANVASSES FOR DIRECT PRIMARY, GAINS WIDE SUPPORT IN IBARAPA EAST
A leading chairmanship aspirant in Ibarapa East Local Government, Hon. Abdul Akeem Akintola, popularly known as Kuso, has intensified his grassroots consultation with a strong call for a transparent primary election process, as he continues to receive overwhelming support across several wards.
During his consultation tour, which covered Wards 7, 8, 9, 10, and later Wards 5 and 6 which he embarked on on Saturday 18th of April, the aspirant urged party members and leaders to adopt a direct primary system rather than a consensus arrangement.
He expressed confidence that his antecedents, popularity, and longstanding relationship with the grassroots would earn him victory in a free and fair contest.
Kuso stressed that allowing party members to decide through a primary election would reflect the true will of the people, warning against what he described as imposition or subjugation of party faithful. According to him, “democracy must be allowed to thrive within the party structure, and the voices of members must count.”
The consultation began in Ward 7, where the aspirant was welcomed with fanfare, including songs and cultural displays. The Ward Chairman, Adediji Olusola Abraham, described Kuso as “one in a million,” highlighting his philanthropic efforts such as the provision of boreholes, solar installations, and distribution of educational materials to students.
He likened his generosity to that of the late former Oyo State governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala, even humorously referring to him as an “ATM” for the people.
Abraham subsequently pledged the support of the ward executives, alongside other leaders including Vice Chairman Jamiu Adeniji, Youth Leader Raimi Razaz, and Woman Leader Olajide Kafilat.
Addressing the gathering, Kuso reiterated his strong ties to the area, noting that he is a son of both Eruwa and Lanlate. He explained that his father hails from Eruwa while his mother is from Lanlate, urging residents to see his ambition as a collective project.
He also advanced the zoning argument, stating that since two of the three zones in Ibarapa East have produced chairmen in the past, it is only fair for his zone to take its turn.
At Ward 8, Chairman Adeoye Ademola and Secretary Abegunde Yemisi commended Kuso’s grassroots approach and consistency in party affairs, assuring him of total support from the ward.
In Ward 9, Chairman Adeleke Musibau Akinatola Abiodun and Secretary Kazeem Ismail described the aspirant as accessible and committed to the development of the local government. The Woman Leader, Olojede Latifat, praised his contributions to women empowerment, promising that women in the ward would stand solidly behind him.
Similarly, Ward 10 Chairman Sunday Abioye applauded Kuso’s humility and leadership qualities, describing him as a unifying figure capable of delivering inclusive governance.
The tour rounded off in Wards 5 and 6, where Chairmen Olajire Oyediji and Hon. Adeseun Abimbola Oluwafemi respectively spoke highly of the aspirant’s political maturity and dedication to party growth. They both assured him of strong mobilization efforts in their wards ahead of the party’s decision-making process.
Across the wards visited, party executives and members expressed optimism about Kuso’s chances, citing his visible achievements, grassroots connection, and insistence on internal democracy as key strengths.
With his growing acceptance and clear stance on a transparent primary process, observers believe Kuso has positioned himself as a formidable contender in the forthcoming Ibarapa East chairmanship race.