Warm Reception Greets Kuso in Ibarapa East as Wards Declare Support
The political atmosphere in Ibarapa East Local Government has come alive with renewed energy as a leading chairmanship aspirant, Hon. Abdul Akeem Akintola, popularly known as Kuso, intensified his grassroots consultation tour, drawing enthusiastic reception from party leaders, executives, and residents across multiple wards.
Kuso, who is seeking to become the next Executive Chairman of the local government, commenced his consultation from Ward 7, where he was greeted with vibrant cultural displays, songs, and dances by supporters who thronged the venue in large numbers on Saturday 18th of April 2026.
Welcoming the aspirant, the Ward 7 Chairman, Adediji Olusola Abraham, described Kuso as “one in a million,” extolling his philanthropic footprint across the local government. He highlighted several community-based interventions credited to the aspirant, including the provision of boreholes, solar installations, and distribution of free educational materials to students.
Drawing a comparison with the late former governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala, Abraham noted that Kuso shares similar generosity, humorously referring to him as an “ATM” for the people. He thereafter pledged the unalloyed support of the ward executives toward Kuso’s emergence during the party’s shadow election.
In his response, Kuso emphasized his deep-rooted connection to both Eruwa and Lanlate, noting that his father hails from Eruwa while his mother is from Lanlate. He urged residents of Ward 7, located in Lanlate axis, to regard him as their own son. The aspirant also canvassed support based on zoning considerations, arguing that Ibarapa East is structured into three political zones, two of which have already produced chairmen, thereby positioning his zone as next in line.
The Ward 7 executives present at the event, including Vice Chairman Jamiu Adeniji, Youth Leader Raimi Razaz, and Woman Leader Olajide Kafilat, unanimously endorsed his ambition.
At Ward 8, the reception mirrored that of Ward 7, with Chairman Adeoye Ademola and Secretary Abegunde Yemisi commending Kuso’s consistency and grassroots engagement. They described his candidacy as timely and pledged their ward’s total support, noting that his track record aligns with the developmental aspirations of the people.
The consultation train moved to Ward 9, where Chairman Adeleke Musibau Akintola Abiodun, alongside Secretary Kazeem Ismail, received the aspirant warmly. Speaking on behalf of the ward, the leaders lauded Kuso’s accessibility and longstanding relationship with the grassroots. The Woman Leader, Olojede Latifat, in an emotional address, praised the aspirant’s support for women and youth empowerment initiatives, assuring him of massive backing from women across the ward.
At Ward 10, Chairman Sunday Abioye commended Kuso’s humility and political maturity, describing him as a unifying figure capable of fostering inclusive governance in Ibarapa East. He urged party faithful to rally behind a candidate with proven commitment to service.
The consultation tour concluded in Wards 5 and 6, where Chairmen Olajire Oyediji and Hon. Adeseun Abimbola Oluwafemi respectively spoke glowingly of the aspirant’s leadership qualities. Both leaders highlighted his consistency in party activities and his readiness to deliver people-oriented governance if elected. They jointly reaffirmed their wards’ readiness to mobilize support for his candidacy.
Across all the wards visited, party executives and members expressed confidence in Kuso’s ambition, citing his philanthropic gestures, grassroots appeal, and inclusive approach as key strengths.
With the growing endorsements and visible acceptance across the local government, political observers note that Hon. Abdul Akeem Akintola’s consultation tour may have significantly strengthened his position ahead of the party’s internal processes.