Table of Contents
Introduction
Kwara Central Senatorial District occupies a prime place in the political architecture of Kwara State. Being the district that houses the state capital, Ilorin, it has, over the years, remained the nerve centre of political influence, administrative power, and socio-economic activity. The district comprises four Local Government Areas: Ilorin West, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, and Asa. It has produced some of the most prominent political figures who have shaped the direction of both the state and Nigeria at large.
From the dominance of Kwara’s old political establishment to the transformative 2019 upset that redefined the state’s political identity, and now to the current phase shaped by new power blocs, youthful political participation, and shifting party alignments, the representation of Kwara Central in the Senate has evolved through different political eras since the return of democratic governance in 1999. Each senator who has emerged from this zone carries a distinct political history influenced by grassroots strength, party dynamics, personal networks, and the ever-changing expectations of Kwara’s electorate.
This article provides a comprehensive chronological overview of all senators who have represented Kwara Central, including their tenure years, respective LGAs, political parties and brief profiles of their impacts and contributions.
First Republic
1. Alhaji Sanni Olanrewaju Buraimo Okin (1963–1966)
Local Government Area: Ilorin West
Political Party: Northern People’s Congress (NPC)
A respected traditional figure and early federal legislator, Okin was Ilorin Province’s first representative in the Nigerian Senate during the First Republic. Known for his grassroots connections, integrity, and sound administrative skills, he advocated strongly for northern interests. He held positions in the Ilorin Native Administration, was elected to the Northern House of Assembly, and served as Provincial Commissioner for Kabba Province before his tenure was cut short by the January 1966 military coup. He held the esteemed traditional title of the first Turaki of Ilorin.
Second Republic
2. Dr. Olusola Saraki (1979–1983)
Local Government Area: Ilorin West
Political Party: National Party of Nigeria (NPN)
A medical doctor turned political powerhouse, Dr. Olusola Saraki—popularly known by the traditional title “Oloye”—was a master political strategist who founded and led a formidable political dynasty in Kwara State.
His journey in politics began during the Second Republic when he was elected as the Senator for Ilorin/Asa Federal Constituency. He quickly rose to prominence, serving as the Senate Leader and Chairman of the House Committee on Health and Social Services. His political influence extended far beyond the Senate, as he was a kingmaker in Kwara State politics for decades, effectively determining who held key political offices. He was also a member of the Constituent Assembly that produced the 1979 Constitution.
Third Republic
3. Ayinla Olomoda (1992–1993)
Local Government Area: Asa
Political Party: Social Democratic Party (SDP)
A distinguished technocrat and community leader, Alhaji Ayinla Olomoda represented Kwara Central during Nigeria’s short-lived Third Republic, from December 5, 1992, to November 19, 1993. His tenure in the Senate, which emphasized rural development and democratic ideals, was abruptly cut short by the annulment of the 1993 elections and the subsequent return of military rule.
Fourth Republic
4. Adebayo Salman Is’haq (1999–2003)
Local Government Area: Ilorin West
Political Party: All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP)
A seasoned legal practitioner and quiet but effective lawmaker, Adebayo Salman Is’haq marked Kwara Central’s return to the Senate after years of military rule.
Known for his focus on constituency development, legislative stability, and advocacy for legal reform and education, he helped reintroduce democratic governance to the district.
5. Gbemisola Ruqayyah Saraki (2003–2011)
Local Government Area: Ilorin West
Political Party: People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
A dynamic and outspoken lawmaker, Gbemisola Ruqayyah Saraki, an economist and former banker, was one of the most prominent female senators of her time. She carried forward her father’s political legacy while carving her own path, earning a reputation for her brilliant and deeply engaging involvement in the Senate.
She was elected to represent the Kwara Central Senatorial District for two consecutive terms, serving from 2003 to 2011. During her tenure, she championed numerous causes and was credited as the female legislator who presented and passed the most bills into law in Nigeria’s history.
6. Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (2011–2019)
Local Government Area: Ilorin West
Political Party: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) → All Progressives Congress (APC)
A former two-term Governor of Kwara State and a medical doctor, Dr. Bukola Saraki is a national political figure known for his significant impact on both executive and legislative branches of Nigerian government. He served as President of the Nigerian Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly from June 2015 to June 2019.
Saraki, a key figure in modern Nigerian politics, was previously the Governor of Kwara State from 2003 to 2011. Upon entering the Senate, he quickly rose to a leadership position, where he played a central role in several key legislative reforms, including the passage of significant bills such as the landmark Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), the National Health Act, and the passage of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Establishment Act.
7. Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe (2019–2023)
Local Government Area: Ilorin West
Political Party: All Progressives Congress (APC)
A public health physician and former Majority Leader of the Kwara State House of Assembly (1999–2003), Dr. Oloriegbe achieved a historic upset by unseating the incumbent Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, in the 2019 general election.
During his single term in the Senate, he served as the influential Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and the Joint National Assembly Committee on Health. His legislative work was instrumental in Nigeria’s health sector, notably sponsoring key bills that led to significant reforms and the passage of landmark legislation, including the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, the National Mental Health Act 2021, and the National Emergency Medical Service Agency (Est) Bill. He was also recognised for a hands-on approach to constituency projects
8. Saliu Mustapha (2023–present)
Local Government Area: Ilorin East
Political Party: All Progressives Congress (APC)
A businessman and grassroots mobilizer, Saliu Mustapha is the current Senator representing the Kwara Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, a position he assumed in June 2023. A former Deputy National Chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)—one of the legacy parties that merged to form the APC.
In the Senate, he serves as the influential Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, and as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream). His legislative focus is centred on agricultural development and food security, leading to the sponsorship of several key bills, including the National Food Reserve Agency (Establishment) Bill and the Donkey Slaughter Regulation & Export Certificate Bill. His constituency projects emphasise human capital development, infrastructure (solar-powered boreholes and streetlights), and education, including a full scholarship program for indigent students.
Summary of Kwara Central Senators
| Senator | Tenure | Assembly | LGA | Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alhaji Sanni Olanrewaju Buraimo Okin | 1963–1966 | 1st Assembly | Ilorin West | NPC |
| Dr. Olusola Saraki | 1979–1983 | 2nd Assembly | Ilorin West | NPN |
| Ayinla Olomoda | 1992–1993 | 3rd Assembly | Asa | SDP |
| Adebayo Salman Is’haq | 1999–2003 | 4th Assembly | Ilorin West | ANPP |
| Gbemisola Ruqayyah Saraki | 2003–2011 | 5th & 6th Assembly | Ilorin West | PDP |
| Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki | 2011–2019 | 7th & 8th Assembly | Ilorin West | PDP→APC |
| Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe | 2019–2023 | 9th Assembly | Ilorin West | APC |
| Saliu Mustapha | 2023–2027 | 10th Assembly | Ilorin East | APC |