SAN joins 2027 Kwara gov race on PDP platform

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olasheni Ibiwoye, has joined the 2027 Kwara State governorship race under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, becoming the fourth aspirant to declare interest in the contest.

Ibiwoye’s entry was formalised through a letter of intent submitted to the party’s legal adviser, Monsurat Omotoso, during a visit to the PDP State Secretariat in Ilorin on Saturday.

He led a delegation of supporters and political associates to the secretariat, where he received a warm welcome from party leaders and stakeholders.

“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.

“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,” Ibiwoye said.

In his letter titled “Securing Kwara First: A Covenant with the People,” the aspirant outlined what he described as “five reducible pillars that will secure Kwara and restore dignity to every home and lives residing in the state.”

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

Speaking on insecurity, Ibiwoye painted a grim picture of the current situation in the state.

“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.

“We will deploy a community-first security architecture that fuses traditional institutions, local vigilantes, and modern intelligence-led policing.

“Every ward, every farmstead, every market in Kwara will be safe to live, work, and invest in. Security will be preventive, not reactive; intelligence-driven, not accidental; people-centred, not distant.

“We will invest in security software as available globally to tame every form of insecurity plaguing the state,” he added.

On youth development, the aspirant said young people would be repositioned as assets rather than liabilities.

“Our youths will no longer be seen as a burden. We will turn them into a comparative advantage through the creation of mass jobs, skills acquisition centres in each senatorial district, ICT innovation hubs, and partnerships with the private sector.

“We will revamp public schools, retrain teachers, deploy digital classrooms, and align our curriculum with skills, technology, and global competitiveness. Kwara children will not just compete; they will lead.”

On rural and infrastructural development, Ibiwoye emphasised inclusiveness across all parts of the state.

“Development must not stop where the tarred road ends. We will establish a Kwara Rural Development Commission with statutory representation across all 16 local government areas.”

He further pledged to drive economic growth through agriculture and infrastructure.

“We will make Kwara a food and agro-export powerhouse within 24 months through mechanised farming clusters, alongside bold infrastructure renewal including roads, bridges, housing, and energy expansion. Infrastructure is not just concrete; it is opportunity.”

Highlighting governance, he stressed accountability and people-focused leadership.

“Traditional institutions will be partners, not spectators; local governments will be engines, not appendages; and every policy will pass one test: does this put Kwara people first?”

Reacting, Omotoso described Ibiwoye’s decision to join the PDP as a boost for the party.

“Coming to PDP is a delight; your coming to PDP is a very big plus for PDP,” she said.

Also speaking, the PDP Deputy State Chairperson, Wasilat Atinuke McCarthy, said the aspirant’s letter reflected a strong policy direction and vision for the state.

She added that the party, led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, continues to attract credible and competent individuals ahead of the 2027 elections.