SAN joins 2027 Kwara governorship race under PDP

The political landscape in Kwara State is heating up as Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olasheni Ibiwoye, officially declared his aspiration to become the next governor in 2027, running under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His entry marks the fourth aspirant to express interest in the governorship seat, signaling a competitive race ahead for the PDP ticket.

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I am deeply grateful to the leadership of our great party for this warm reception and for providing me the opportunity to formally present my aspiration to serve the people of Kwara State.

Ibiwoye's declaration, formalized through a letter of intent submitted to the PDP's legal adviser, was met with a warm reception from party leaders and stakeholders in Ilorin. He articulated a vision centered on repositioning Kwara State for 'sustainable development and shared prosperity,' driven by a deep sense of responsibility to the people. His campaign is built upon 'five reducible pillars': security and peace, human capital development, equitable development, new economic transformation, and integrous good governance and justice.

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My decision to contest is driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a strong desire to reposition Kwara State for sustainable development and shared prosperity.

Addressing the current state of affairs, Ibiwoye painted a stark picture of insecurity in Kwara, famously known as the 'State of Harmony.' He lamented that the state has become a 'theatre of war' and vowed to end this era by implementing a community-first security architecture that integrates traditional institutions, local vigilantes, and modern policing. His promise is to ensure that every part of Kwara is safe for living, working, and investing, shifting the focus to preventive and intelligence-driven security measures.

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These pillars include security and peace, human capital development, equitable development, new economic transformation, and integrous good governance and justice.

Furthermore, Ibiwoye emphasized a transformative approach to youth development, aiming to convert young people from perceived liabilities into assets. His plans include mass job creation, skills acquisition centers, ICT hubs, and private sector partnerships. He also pledged to revamp public schools, retrain teachers, and align the curriculum with global competitiveness, ensuring Kwara's youth are not just participants but leaders in the future economy. His detailed agenda reflects a comprehensive strategy to tackle the state's challenges and unlock its potential.

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For too long, we have mourned after tragedy. Kwara State, popularly known as the ‘State of Harmony’, has virtually been turned into a theatre of war. That era ends now by the grace of God.