Kwara Senator Ashiru Announces 2027 Governorship Bid Days After Deadly Woro Terror Attack!
Kwara Senator Ashiru Announces 2027 Governorship Bid Days After Deadly Woro Terror Attack!
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan (Editor-in-Chief) | Sele Media Africa Journalist
Ilorin, Nigeria — Deputy Senate Leader and Kwara South Senator, Lola Ashiru, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 Governorship election in Kwara State, just days after a brutal terror attack in Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities that killed over 160 people.
Ashiru made the announcement on Sunday, February 8, 2026, while hosting executives of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, at his home in Offa. Addressing journalists, the senator expressed confidence in his ability to lead the state, citing his long service and understanding of grassroots issues.
“I have come into this race … I believe I have the best of credentials to rule Kwara State for the next four years starting in 2027,” Ashiru told reporters, underlining his belief in inclusive leadership beyond ethnic and religious lines.
Ashiru also spoke against rigid zoning arrangements for the governorship position, arguing that power should be earned through competition rather than predetermined rotation. His position echoes ongoing debates within the state political class regarding equity and fairness in the 2027 contest.
Woro and Nuku Attacks: A Tragic Backdrop
Just days before Ashiru’s declaration, terrorists attacked the villages of Woro and Nuku in Kaiama Local Government Area, killing at least 162 civilians — one of the deadliest assaults in western Nigeria this year. Witnesses reported militants forcing residents to their knees before executing them and burning homes and shops.
The attackers, believed to be linked to Islamist extremist factions, reportedly targeted villagers who refused to adopt strict interpretations of Sharia law. Bodies were found in surrounding bushland, with many victims including women and children.
The massacre has sparked national outrage, drawing condemnation from Nigeria’s leadership and regional stakeholders. The Federal Government has deployed troops to the area in efforts to prevent similar attacks.
Political Response and Security Advocacy
Speaking on the violence, Ashiru condemned the attacks and called for a strengthened focus on border-community development as part of Nigeria’s security strategy. He emphasized the need for shared prosperity to reduce vulnerabilities that extremist groups exploit.
He urged federal, state, and neighbouring state governments to coordinate development and security efforts, particularly along border areas susceptible to criminal infiltration.
Broader Reactions
The Southern Governors’ Forum and national figures have condemned the massacre, insisting perpetrators be brought to justice and calling for enhanced security across vulnerable regions of the country.
Human rights advocates and political actors have also urged international investigations into the attack, pointing to alleged intelligence failures preceding the tragedy.
Citations:
1.Tribune online– https://tribuneonlineng.com/2027-senator-ashiru-declares-interest-in-kwara-guber/
2.Reuters– https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-deploys-troops-after-170-killed-deadly-kwara-village-attack-2026-02-05/
3.apnews–
https://apnews.com/article/057f3997877d7e2cf9e79dfcd596f868
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