The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has hailed aspirants of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the party primaries, describing them as “all winners” regardless of the outcome of the contest.
AbdulRazaq said the growing number of politicians seeking elective offices on the platform of the APC reflected the confidence Nigerians have in the party and the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola, the governor spoke at the APC secretariat in Ilorin while addressing House of Assembly aspirants.
He said the economic and infrastructural reforms of the Tinubu administration had strengthened the APC as the most credible political platform in the country.
“We have strong leadership at the national level. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is transforming our economy. That is why you see all these developments in this state.
“He was able to release the resources. You can see the development we did in the first term of the administration and in the second term. So things are moving rapidly, and we’ll continue to do our best in every area and every segment of this state economy,” AbdulRazaq said.
The governor said the APC remained attractive because of its democratic culture and openness to aspiring leaders.
“APC is the vehicle to come on board with. You know what we met in this state and you see how we have transformed the state, as against the poor state of things we inherited. Kwarans are not fools. They know their history very well,” he said.AbdulRazaq recalled that the administration inherited salary arrears, abandoned schools, and unpaid counterpart funding for education projects when it assumed office in 2019.
He stated, “In 2019 when we came in, they were not paying salaries. Teachers were being owed. Our schools were dilapidated. The counterpart funds to UBEC had not been paid for seven years.
“They abandoned education. These are the same people that want to come back. I’m not even talking about health care or going into infrastructure. In seven years, we have built more roads than they built in 16 years.”
The governor added that the administration’s investments in education were already yielding global recognition for students from the state.
“Look at education. Our students keep winning honours all over the world. That shows our investment in education,” he added.
Addressing the aspirants, AbdulRazaq said the party leadership recognised their commitment and assured them that contesting for office had already positioned them for future leadership opportunities.
“I congratulate all of you. All of you are winners. Each one of you. You see that our party is a very vibrant party. That is what the numbers have shown,” he said.
“It is a democracy. Nobody is stopping you from obtaining forms. You are free to aspire to any position you want in this state and in this federation. Now, our numbers are large for just 24 positions.”
He said the party would engage stakeholders before conducting the primaries, while urging aspirants to remain united irrespective of the outcome.
“We will do some engagements among ourselves and thereafter do the contest for these positions. But what I can assure you is that the leadership and the party is proud of you,” he said.
“You’ve qualified yourself for appointments by obtaining the forms to contest for this office. You’ve shown that you are qualified to lead in this state. So, this is just a stepping stone.”
The governor encouraged the younger aspirants not to lose hope if they fail to secure tickets at the primaries.
“You’re all young people. Who knows, there’s a governor amongst you here today, in Sha Allaah. I continue to urge you to support the party.
“And if you don’t get the ticket now, that’s not the end of the world. Maybe that’s not what God has in stock for you. You will have something else,” he said.
AbdulRazaq also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu would visit Kwara later in the year to inaugurate some projects executed by the administration.
“Let’s support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to take this country to greater heights. He’ll be coming to Kwara before the end of this year to launch some of our projects, and we’ll give him a rousing welcome,” he said.
The governor further highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects across the state, including the Osi-Obbo-Aiyegunle road, road projects in Pategi, the Pategi Motel, and the Great Cultural Centre in Pategi.
“We will continue to develop and work together. Now, in various ways, we might not have our way, but we just have to work together,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the Kwara APC Chairman, Sunday Fagbemi, commended AbdulRazaq for what he described as unprecedented developmental strides across the state.
“Every segment of Kwara has experienced progressive changes. You are supposed to make this your campaign point. Our achievements are huge and unprecedented,” Fagbemi said.
The APC in Kwara state has intensified consultations ahead of its primaries for the 2027 general elections, amid growing political activities across the state.
The party has repeatedly expressed confidence in retaining control of the state following what it described as achievements recorded under the AbdulRazaq administration since 2019.
