OPINION :Why Moshood Bakare’s Experience Deserves Attention Ahead of 2027 by Aliyu Agboola

As conversations around the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum, the question of who can provide effective representation for Ifelodun, Offa and Oyun deserves to be examined beyond party slogans and political excitement.

One name that merits consideration is Hon. Moshood Olanrewaju Bakare, whose public-service background, political experience and philanthropic activities provide a basis for assessing what he could potentially bring to the National Assembly.

Bakare’s experience cuts across public service, politics and engagement with stakeholders at different levels. As a former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, he has had direct exposure to legislative processes and the responsibilities that come with representing constituents.

His professional and public-service trajectory has also afforded him relationships with fellow legislators, political stakeholders and individuals across different levels of government. Such networks can be valuable in legislative representation, particularly when they are converted into meaningful opportunities, interventions and institutional attention for constituents.

Beyond political experience, Bakare has also maintained a visible record of community-oriented initiatives through the Moshood Bakare Foundation. The foundation has announced a ₦100 million empowerment fund targeting businesses, education and healthcare across Ifelodun, Offa and Oyun, alongside initiatives including support for prospective JAMB candidates. These interventions place education, economic empowerment and social welfare among the areas associated with his public engagement.

His reported sponsorship of more than 500 JAMB registrations is also worth noting as part of that record, particularly because educational support remains an important issue for young people and families.

However, philanthropy and political experience should not, on their own, be treated as guarantees of effective legislative performance. Public office is ultimately a contract with the people. Any representative must be judged by accessibility, integrity, legislative contribution, quality of oversight, responsiveness and measurable outcomes.

Experience is an asset; accountability is the test.

Perhaps, therefore, the more useful question ahead of 2027 is not simply who has the loudest political presence, but what kind of representation Ifelodun, Offa and Oyun require at a time when the demands on lawmakers are becoming increasingly complex.

A representative with legislative experience, understanding of government processes, established stakeholder relationships and a demonstrated interest in community interventions could potentially bring a different quality of institutional engagement to the Green Chamber.

That possibility deserves objective consideration.

And in that conversation, the career and public engagements of Hon. Moshood Olanrewaju Bakare present an institutional background worthy of serious attention.