2027: Kwara NDC gov candidate flags off campaign, unveils agenda

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The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Kwara State, Abdulmumin Ajia, has flagged off his campaign for the 2027 governorship election with a promise to prioritise security, education, healthcare, job creation and infrastructure if elected.

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Ajia, who launched his campaign in Ilorin on Thursday, also unveiled his “Forward Kwara Agenda”, which he said was designed to provide an integrated development plan for the state.

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The candidate took a swipe at the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, describing the two major parties as representatives of what he called “old politics.”

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He said the APC and PDP approach to governance was characterised by scattered projects and political convenience rather than a coordinated development strategy.

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“The APC and PDP represent the old approach of scattered projects, political convenience and programmes that do not work together,” Ajia said.

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He said the NDC would adopt a different approach by linking security, education, healthcare, transportation, agriculture, employment and development at the local level.

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Ajia promised to strengthen public schools and health facilities, expand affordable health insurance, improve roads and public transportation, and support traders, artisans, farmers and small businesses.

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He also pledged to link education and skills acquisition to employment, boost agricultural production and processing, and develop a framework for tackling outstanding pensioners’ gratuities.

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The candidate said his administration would publish its major commitments, timelines and the institutions responsible for their implementation to enable residents to monitor its performance.

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“We will publish our commitments. We will report our progress. We will explain delays. And we will accept responsibility for our performance,” he stated.

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Ajia said his campaign would focus on issues rather than attacks on political opponents, adding that he was seeking office to serve the people and not to enrich himself.

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“I will never be party to anything or anyone that will corrupt the system,” he said.

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He also urged voters to hold elected officials accountable, warning against allowing party loyalty to override the interests of the state.

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“Do not give us four years of silence. Do not defend us when we are wrong simply because you voted for us,” Ajia said.

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As part of the campaign activities, the NDC candidate toured parts of Ilorin and interacted with residents and traders before visiting some traditional leaders to seek their support and blessings.

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He visited the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin and the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin Emirate, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku.

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Ajia also visited the scene of an accident around Taiwo Road, where he sympathised with victims and obtained their contact details, promising to assist them.

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At the campaign flag-off, he presented a retired educationist, Elder Ajayi Israel Awolowo, as his running mate and introduced the party’s candidates for the National Assembly and state House of Assembly elections.

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The NDC candidate urged Kwarans to vote for the party’s candidates across the governorship, National Assembly and state Assembly elections, saying a uniform mandate would enable the party to implement its development plans.

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“We are not asking for a blank cheque. We are asking for the opportunity to serve and accepting the obligation to account for that service,” he said.

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