ASKOMP Forum: Five Kwara Gov Hopefuls Pitch Manifestos as APC, PDP Absent
By Kaosara Olayemi Oladimeji
Five governorship candidates in Kwara State have pledged to prioritise security, job creation, healthcare, education and economic development if elected in the 2027 governorship election.
The candidates made the promises on Friday during a manifesto discourse organised by the Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners, ASKOMP, in Ilorin, where they presented their policy proposals and development agenda to stakeholders across the state.
The candidates were Zakari Mohammed of the African Democratic Congress, Abdulmumeen Yinka Ajia of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Omotosho Bamidele Olaitan of the Allied Peoples Movement, Ridwanullahi Apaokagi of the Social Democratic Party and Shola Victor Abioye of the National Democratic Party.
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The event, held at Rotana Hotel, Ilorin, attracted representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Christian Association of Nigeria, Kwara Must Change, Elites Network for Sustainable Development and community-based organisations from the three senatorial districts.
The candidates outlined their proposed interventions in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic diversification and grassroots governance as they sought to convince the electorate of their readiness to lead the state.
The ADC candidate, Mohammed, promised to deploy advanced technology to tackle kidnapping and banditry, which he identified as major security challenges confronting the state.
He also pledged to address infrastructure deficits in rural communities, revive the state economy and ensure equitable distribution of development projects across Kwara North, Central and South.
Citing his experience as a former commissioner and member of the House of Representatives, as well as his academic qualifications, including a PhD from the Defence Academy, Kaduna, Mohammed said he was prepared to provide purposeful leadership.
He also criticised the absence of the APC and PDP governorship candidates, Salihu Yakubu Danladi and Bolakale Kawu, respectively, accusing them of avoiding direct engagement with the electorate.
The NDC candidate, Ajia, presented his manifesto, tagged ‘Kwara Forward’, which he said was built around six pillars, with security, education and economic development as major priorities.
Ajia said he returned to Nigeria from the United States specifically to participate in the engagement, adding that his administration would pursue policies aimed at improving the welfare and economic prospects of residents.
He also criticised the APC candidate and described the prospect of a third term by proxy for the outgoing administration as unacceptable.
The APP candidate, Olaitan, promised to sustain and increase the N100,000 bursary for students in tertiary institutions, while introducing free healthcare services for vulnerable members of society.
He said his administration would explore Kwara’s mineral resources to boost internally generated revenue and reduce the state’s dependence on allocations from the Federation Account.
Olaitan argued that the state needed to harness its economic and natural resource potential to achieve sustainable development.
Similarly, the SDP candidate, Apaokagi, pledged to implement local government autonomy in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution to accelerate grassroots development.
The medical doctor also promised strategic investments in healthcare and education to improve access to essential services across the state.
The NDP candidate, Abioye, outlined his development agenda, promising to pursue policies aimed at accelerating economic growth and improving the living conditions of residents.
In his welcome address, the ASKOMP Chairman, Salihu Shola Taofeek, said the manifesto discourse was organised to provide candidates with an opportunity to explain their policy directions and development priorities to the electorate.
He said the initiative was also intended to promote constructive engagement and help voters make informed decisions ahead of the 2027 elections.
In his vote of thanks, the Secretary of the ASKOMP Manifesto Discourse Planning Committee and Publisher of 9japarrot, Saeed Tijjani, disclosed that the association invited all 12 governorship candidates on the final list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He commended the five candidates who attended the programme, saying their participation provided an opportunity for stakeholders to interrogate their manifestos and proposed policies.
