Ibadan South-West I: Baruwa Seeks Consensus, Cites Decade Experience, Acceptance of Party Decision in Last Primary

Honourable Abiodun Adekunle Baruwa is seeking a consensus ticket for the Ibadan South-West State Constituency I seat, with allies citing his consistency since the 2015 primary cycle as proof of political maturity and administrative readiness.

Baruwa, who has contested in the constituency’s primary elections since 2015, is positioning his aspiration around continuity, institutional memory, and loyalty to party processes. Stakeholders pushing the consensus option argue that his long involvement has equipped him with deep knowledge of the constituency’s political terrain and the workings of party administration.

“You don’t buy this kind of experience overnight,” a party elder in Ward 4 told reporters after a consultative meeting on Saturday. “He has been in the trenches since 2015. He understands the structure, the people, and the sacrifices required. That should count for something.”

Supporters say Baruwa’s repeated participation in the primaries reflects persistence, not desperation, and has given him first-hand insight into nomination processes, delegate management, and post-primary reconciliation. That background, they argue, positions him as a stabilising choice who can unify competing blocs and reduce post-nomination rancour.

“He knows where the landmines are because he has walked this road before,” a youth leader in Ward 9 said. “Consensus is easier when the candidate already has relationships across all camps.”

With consultations intensifying across Ibadan South-West I, Baruwa’s camp has emphasised party cohesion over fractious contests. The message to delegates and leaders has been consistent: experience should guide selection, and the constituency needs a candidate who can hit the ground running in both legislative duties and political administration.

A member of his strategy team disclosed that Baruwa is reaching out to other aspirants and key stakeholders to build common ground ahead of final harmonisation. “He’s not asking for charity. He’s asking that experience, loyalty, and competence be weighed properly,” the source said.

Baruwa’s agenda for the Oyo State House of Assembly centres on effective representation, project oversight, and constituency-driven legislation, particularly in education, market infrastructure, and youth employment. Allies believe his decade-long engagement with the primary process gives him an edge in translating campaign promises into administrative action.

As the consensus window narrows, momentum around Baruwa continues to build among ward chairmen, women leaders, and non-indigene groups who cite his accessibility and temperament.

For a constituency seeking stability and legislative impact, his supporters insist experience should not be ignored.