2027: AbdulRazaq Declares All APC Aspirants Winners

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has described aspirants of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the party primaries as “all winners,” regardless of the outcome of the contest.

AbdulRazaq stated this while addressing House of Assembly aspirants at the APC secretariat in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola.

The governor said the increasing number of politicians seeking elective offices on the platform of the APC reflected growing confidence in the party and the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

He attributed the development to the economic and infrastructural reforms of the Tinubu administration, which he said 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,” AbdulRazaq said.

“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.”

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 his administration inherited salary arrears, dilapidated schools, and unpaid counterpart funding for Universal Basic Education Commission projects when it assumed office in 2019.

“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,” he said.

“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 results, with students from the state winning honours globally.

“Look at education. Our students keep winning honours all over the world. That shows our investment in education,” he added.

Addressing the aspirants, AbdulRazaq commended them for their commitment to the party 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.”

The governor said the party leadership would continue consultations ahead of the primaries and urged 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.”

He also encouraged younger aspirants not to lose hope if they failed to secure tickets at the primaries.

“You’re all young people. Who knows, there’s a governor amongst you here today, in Sha Allah. I continue to urge you to support the party,” he said.

“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.”

AbdulRazaq further disclosed that President Tinubu would visit Kwara State later in the year to inaugurate 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 highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects across the state, including the Osi-Obbo-Aiyegunle road, projects in Pategi, the Pategi Motel, and the Great Cultural Centre in Pategi.

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.