From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
A serving senator representing Kwara North, Sadiq Umar, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State, under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), promising to build on existing gains and drive inclusive development across the state.
Speaking during his declaration, Umar said his decision was driven by a sense of responsibility and a desire to advance the progress already recorded in the state, rather than personal ambition.
“I stand here not merely to make an announcement, but to share a conviction that the best days of Kwara State are still ahead of us,” he said, adding that leadership must always respond to the needs and aspirations of the people.
The lawmaker commended the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for what he described as reforms and restoration of public confidence in governance, noting that the next phase of leadership must consolidate and expand on those achievements.
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According to him, “progress must never pause. Foundations are built to carry greater structures. The task before us now is to protect what has been achieved, expand what has begun, and boldly move Kwara into a future of shared prosperity.”
Umar outlined his vision, tagged “Sustainable Progress for Kwara’s Shared Prosperity,” describing it as a commitment to improving the lives of all categories of citizens, including farmers, traders, civil servants, youths and professionals.
He pledged to prioritise energy development through solar power expansion to improve electricity supply in rural communities and public institutions, stressing that access to reliable power would enhance education, healthcare and economic growth.
On security, the APC aspirant promised to strengthen community-based approaches and intelligence gathering to ensure safety of lives and property across the state.
“We must build a safer Kwara where every parent can sleep with peace, every trader can move with confidence, and every community can feel protected,” he said.
In the education sector, Umar said his administration would focus on improving learning environments, supporting teachers, and expanding digital and vocational education to equip young people with skills for the modern economy.
He also promised to strengthen the healthcare system through improved health insurance coverage and better primary healthcare delivery, noting that “no society can prosper when its people are weak.”
The senator further highlighted plans to accelerate infrastructure development, boost agriculture through modern practices and value chain expansion, and promote responsible mining to create jobs and attract investment.
He added that tourism, culture, sports and the creative industry would receive attention as tools for economic growth and youth empowerment, while technology and innovation would be leveraged to position Kwara in the global digital economy.
Umar emphasised the need for inclusive governance, stating that his ambition is to build a state where no community feels neglected.
“This campaign is about more than an election. It is about building a state where no one feels forgotten and where every citizen can say: this state belongs to me too,” he said.
He called on traditional rulers, party leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders to support his aspiration, assuring that he would lead with humility, accountability and a people-centred approach.
“We will preserve the gains of today, confront the demands of tomorrow, and build a Kwara that is stronger, safer and more prosperous,” he added.
