Danladi Promises to Build on AbdulRazaq’s Legacy, Targets Balanced Development Across Kwara

 

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, has pledged to consolidate the achievements of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and pursue balanced development across the state if elected in 2027.

Danladi-Salihu, who is also the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, said his familiarity with the state’s developmental challenges and seven years of legislative experience had prepared him to provide purposeful leadership.

He made the pledge on Friday while speaking at the News Keg, organised by the Kwara State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Ilorin.

The APC candidate argued that Kwara needed continuity and further development rather than a return to what he described as the difficult past, insisting that his involvement in the present administration had equipped him with the knowledge to sustain its achievements.

“My brother has laid a good foundation for Kwara, and the next step is for us to build on that foundation. I am part and parcel of the foundation. It will therefore be easier for us to consolidate the gains already recorded,” he said.

He questioned calls by opposition politicians to rescue the state, arguing that development should be a continuous process.

“Why are some people saying they want to rescue Kwara? Is it from the infrastructure and development that are going on, or do we want to move forward? In life, there is no limit to development. We must continue to move forward,” he added.

Danladi-Salihu said his experience as Speaker since 2019 had exposed him to the challenges confronting different sectors of the state, noting that the legislature had contributed to development through its appropriation and oversight responsibilities.

“I am not new to what is happening in Kwara State today. I have spent seven years in the legislature, and we know virtually every sector and the challenges confronting the state,” he said.

Highlighting his constituency interventions, the APC candidate disclosed that he facilitated the provision of about 210 boreholes in communities across Ilesha/Gwanara Constituency during his first term to address water shortages.

He also cited the rehabilitation and construction of rural roads, including a 33-kilometre road linking communities in the area, which he said had significantly reduced the difficulties residents experienced during the rainy season.

On healthcare, he said he facilitated interventions in 18 primary healthcare centres and supported efforts to improve general and cottage hospitals.

The Speaker further disclosed that he facilitated the training of 300 local security personnel to strengthen surveillance and intelligence gathering, particularly in border communities of Baruten Local Government Area.

He described security as fundamental to development, stressing the need for collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers and local authorities to address the peculiar challenges confronting border communities.

On his proposed development agenda, Danladi-Salihu identified rural infrastructure, electricity, agriculture, education, healthcare and economic empowerment as priority areas.

He explained that improved rural roads would connect farming communities to urban markets, reduce transportation costs and enable farmers to earn more from their produce, with the potential to moderate food prices.

He also acknowledged electricity challenges in some communities in Kwara North, noting that partnerships with investors had provided alternative power solutions, including solar electricity in certain settlements.

The APC candidate, who disclosed that he studied electrical engineering before venturing into politics, also highlighted his academic pursuits, including programmes in revenue management, peace, conflict and security studies, and an ongoing PhD programme in economic development.

He promised that no senatorial district would be neglected under his proposed administration, assuring residents of Kwara North, Central and South of equitable distribution of development projects.

He particularly expressed optimism about the economic potential of Kwara North, arguing that investments in agriculture, electricity and rural infrastructure would strengthen economic activities and reduce rural-urban migration.

Earlier, Chairman of the News Keg Committee of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Ibrahim Alege, said the programme was designed to redirect political conversations towards governance, accountability and issues affecting the everyday lives of residents.

Alege said the initiative would provide governorship candidates across political parties with equal opportunities to present their policies, programmes and development priorities ahead of the 2027 elections.

“As we approach another election season, we consider it important to shift the conversation from political permutations and party interests to the real issues that affect the lives of the people,” he said.

He stressed that the platform was not designed to endorse any political party or candidate but to promote constructive engagement and accountability.

“Our responsibility as journalists is to ask questions, seek answers and provide the electorate with the information they need to make informed decisions,” he added.

Alege urged Danladi-Salihu to use the engagement to explain his positions on security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, employment, agriculture and economic development.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Biola Azeez, expressed delight over Danladi-Salihu’s acceptance of the invitation and pledged the chapel’s support for a cordial working relationship with his campaign.

He also called for sustained engagement and improved relations between the political class and journalists in the state.

The event was attended by Danladi-Salihu’s running mate, Hon. Seun Ogunniyi; Chairman of Ilorin West Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Ladan; Commissioner for Health, Dr Aminah El-Imam; and other members of the APC governorship campaign team, alongside leaders and members of the Correspondents’ Chapel.