From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rt. Hon. Zakari Mohammed, has promised to prioritise intelligence-led security, agricultural development, affordable food and improved access to education and healthcare if elected governor in 2027.
Mohammed made the pledge during a media parley with journalists at his campaign office along Asa Dam Road, Ilorin, where he outlined his policy direction and called for issue-based political campaigns ahead of the next governorship election.
The former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Baruten/Kaiama Federal Constituency from 2011 to 2019, said security would form the foundation of his administration’s development agenda, stressing that economic growth and meaningful infrastructure development could not thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.
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“No meaningful development can take place without security,” he said, emphasising the need for community intelligence, modern technology and stronger support for conventional security agencies.
He explained that his proposed security strategy would encourage residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, while strengthening collaboration between communities and law enforcement authorities.
According to him, greater emphasis on intelligence gathering, would help security operatives prevent attacks, protect lives and property, and restore public confidence, particularly in rural communities.
The ADC candidate also identified agriculture as a critical sector requiring urgent government attention, noting that many communities across Kwara depend on farming for their livelihoods.
He argued that insecurity, rising production costs and inadequate government support had undermined the capacity of farmers to contribute fully to the state’s economy.
Mohammed said his administration would seek to strengthen agricultural production and make food more affordable for residents, insisting that government policies should ease the economic burden on households rather than worsen their hardship.
He criticised the economic policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that increasing taxes without adequate consideration for citizens’ welfare could deepen the difficulties facing families and businesses.
The former lawmaker maintained that government should adopt policies that support farmers, improve food production and reduce the cost of living.
He cited agricultural support and subsidies in other countries as examples of measures that could help lower production costs and improve food affordability.
On education, Mohammed acknowledged that not every young person might proceed to university, arguing that the state must provide practical alternatives that equip young people with relevant skills and opportunities.
He advocated a stronger emphasis on technical and vocational education to prepare young people for employment, entrepreneurship and the changing demands of the economy.
He also identified healthcare as an important component of his proposed development agenda, calling for policies that would improve access to essential services and strengthen the welfare of residents.
Mohammed urged voters to assess governorship candidates based on their programmes, competence and capacity to deliver, rather than political sentiments, personal loyalties or the influence of political names.
He challenged candidates seeking elective offices to explain what they intended to do differently and identify the projects and policies they would implement if entrusted with power.
According to him, the electorate should demand clear answers from politicians about their plans for addressing insecurity, unemployment, food inflation and other challenges affecting the state.
He further pledged that an ADC-led administration would operate transparently and adhere to the party’s manifesto, rather than allow elected officials to pursue personal interests at the expense of the electorate.
Mohammed said the party expected its candidates to implement its policy commitments, stressing that governance should be guided by clearly defined programmes and accountability to the people.
He urged journalists and other stakeholders to scrutinise political promises and hold candidates accountable for their positions on issues affecting Kwara residents.
The governorship hopeful’s proposals come as political parties and aspirants begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, with security, the cost of living, agricultural productivity and public service delivery expected to feature prominently in campaigns across the state.
