Nigeria’s youngest lawmaker, Rukayat Shittu, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Owode/Onire State Constituency seat in the Kwara State House of Assembly following her victory in the party’s re-election primary.
Shittu secured the APC ticket on Wednesday after defeating her only cleared challenger, Sulyman Ayegun, in a closely watched primary election.
The outcome of the exercise marks a significant development in the political history of the constituency, which has long operated an informal rotational arrangement between the Owode and Onire axes — a tradition that has historically limited lawmakers to a single term in office.
Party officials and political observers described the primary as peaceful and competitive, noting that Shittu’s victory reflects her growing popularity and strong support within the APC ahead of the general election.
Her emergence as the party’s flag bearer now positions her for another electoral contest, where she is expected to campaign on her legislative performance, youth advocacy and commitment to grassroots development.
If re-elected in the forthcoming general election, Shittu would become the first lawmaker to secure a second term in the Owode/Onire constituency, potentially breaking a long-standing political pattern in the area.
Political stakeholders say the APC primary outcome has already generated significant attention across the constituency, with parties expected to intensify mobilization and campaign activities in preparation for the polls.
