Fresh political signals emerging from Ilorin West and Asa Federal Constituency of Kwara State indicate that Mopelola Abdulmalik Bashir, popularly described as the “Iron Lady,” may be preparing to join the race for the House of Representatives seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Though no formal declaration has been made, recent developments point to increasing political activity around the former Commissioner for Women Affairs, particularly within advocacy circles pushing for greater female participation in elective offices.
Reports suggest that women groups and political stakeholders across the state have begun mobilising for broader representation, with a strategic target of securing multiple seats in the National Assembly.
Mopelola has been prominently associated with these efforts, reinforcing growing speculation about her possible ambition.
A few months ago, she publicly declared that women would clinch all six House of Representatives seats in Kwara State in 2027.
Since then, there has been increasing visibility of female aspirants across the six federal constituencies, indicating a coordinated push behind the scenes to actualise that vision.
Mopelola is also remembered for leading the women’s wing of Kwara Must Change in 2019, where she championed a campaign advocating for 50 percent female representation in the state cabinet, an effort that positioned her as a consistent voice for gender inclusion in governance.
The Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency is currently represented by Muktar Tolani Shagaya, who was elected in 2023 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
Political observers note that Mopelola’s potential entry could introduce a new dynamic into the race, particularly around gender inclusion and grassroots mobilisation.
Her previous role in government, combined with her visibility in advocacy for women’s political empowerment, is seen as a factor that could influence her acceptability among voters.
As Kwara’s political landscape gradually takes shape ahead of 2027, stakeholders say the coming months will be critical in determining whether the former commissioner will formally declare her candidacy and how the contest within the constituency will evolve.
For now, her reported interest remains at the level of emerging political alignment, but one that is already drawing significant attention across Kwara Central.
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