From Taiye Joseph Ilorin
Deputy Senate Leader and Senator representing Kwara South, Lola Ashiru, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State, saying his experience and deep understanding of the state place him in a strong position to lead.
Ashiru made the declaration on Sunday at his Offa country home while hosting members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kwara State Council.
The lawmaker expressed confidence in his chances, noting that his long years of political engagement and familiarity with the people of the state distinguish him from other aspirants.
“I have come into this race. Before now, I had not openly declared, but in sha Allah, I will contest. I believe I have the best of credentials to govern Kwara State from 2027. I understand the people and the place called Kwara because I have been here longer than any contestant,” Ashiru said.
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He maintained that the governorship contest should be open and competitive, allowing Kwarans to freely decide who leads them, rather than being based on zoning, religion or place of origin.
“The best thing is to give everybody a chance to choose the best leader. I sympathise with Kwara North because they feel they have been denied power for a long time, and they have a reason to say it is their turn. But power is not served on a platter; you struggle for it and present yourself,” he stated.
According to him, past political history in the state has shown that leadership is not exclusive to any religion or area.
“It does not matter whether you are a Christian; a Christian has won an election in Kwara State. It does not matter whether you are from Ilorin. AbdulFatah won and he is not from Ilorin. Baba Adebayo won, Shaba also won. Ilorin people may be better prepared politically, but it does not mean they will always win,” Ashiru said.
He added that prayer and faith remain central to his political ambition, expressing confidence that his aspiration would succeed.
“In anything you are doing, prayer is very important. I believe God will answer my prayers and I will do very well,” he said.
Speaking on the recent bandit attacks in Kaiama Local Government Area, the senator urged governments at all levels to prioritise border security by investing in the welfare and development of border communities.
He argued that prosperity and economic inclusion in such areas would significantly reduce crime and insecurity.
Drawing examples from Kwara’s boundary towns, he explained that many border communities share similar social and economic realities with neighbouring states.
Ashiru stressed that border and peripheral settlements should be treated as the first line of defence against external threats, adding that neglect often fuels collaboration with criminal elements.
The governorship aspirant also commended the people of Woro for their resilience in the face of recent attacks and offered prayers for those who lost their lives in Woro and Kaiama.
“We must not forget that many people have been murdered. I appreciate the efforts of the Federal Government in taking steps to safeguard lives,” Ashiru said.
He concluded by calling on state governments to embrace a stronger developmental strategy as a lasting solution to insecurity and a pathway to sustainable peace across the country.
