A women's rights advocate, Hon. Mopelola AbdulMalik Bashir, has obtained the All Progressives Congress (APC) expression of interest and nomination form to contest the House of Representatives seat for Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency in Kwara State.

Bashir, a former Commissioner for Women Affairs in the state, has built a reputation around institutional reform, social development, and inclusive governance.

She is also a key figure in Kwara's civic and democratic advocacy space, serving as Gender Coordinator of Kwara Must Change, a prominent pro-democracy movement known for shaping civic participation, youth engagement, and gender equity conversations across the state.

Beyond policy advocacy, Bashir's civic footprint extends to grassroots political empowerment.

Through Kwara Must Change, she was actively involved in mobilisation efforts that supported the rise of Hon. Rukayat Shittu, Nigeria's youngest lawmaker, reinforcing her long-standing commitment to youth inclusion and political access.

With her formal collection of the APC nomination form, political observers say the Ilorin West/Asa race has been significantly reshaped.

Supporters of Bashir describe her as a "movement-backed candidate" whose strength lies in a blend of administrative experience, civic credibility, and deep community networks across gender and youth platforms.

They argue that her entry reflects a growing demand for inclusive leadership and responsive representation at the federal level.

Analysts say Bashir's emergence has introduced a new political energy into the race one that blends gender advocacy, civic mobilisation, and reform-driven ambition.

Her supporters believe that momentum is building in her favour as the contest moves closer to the APC primaries.