A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Kwara State, Bashir Bolarinwa, has pledged to prioritise security and human capital development if elected in the 2027 governorship election.
Bolarinwa formally declared his intention to run for governor of Kwara State on Tuesday, an event that drew thousands of supporters and party members from within and outside the state, according to a statement from his Media Office.
The declaration comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Kwara, where recent incidents of killings and kidnappings have heightened public anxiety.
Addressing supporters, Bolarinwa said the protection of lives and property would be a central focus of his administration.
“We will decisively tackle and comprehensively address insecurity at all levels, ensuring the safety of lives and property across every part of the state,” he said.
According to the statement, the aspirant added that his government would also invest significantly in human capital development, describing it as essential for sustainable growth.
“We will invest in education, healthcare, and skills acquisition, ensuring that our youths and women are empowered as drivers of growth and stability,” he said.
The statement added that Bolarinwa said his decision to contest was driven by a desire to serve the people at a higher level.
He stated, “Today, I stand before you not just as a politician, but as a son of the soil who understands the struggles and aspirations of our people.”
Reflecting on his political career, the aspirant noted that he had served in various capacities, including councillor, local government chairman, member of the National Assembly, and later as state party chairman.
He said these experiences had equipped him for the responsibilities of leadership.
“Our state stands at a critical point where we must deepen development, expand opportunities, and ensure that governance reflects fairness, inclusion, and justice,” Bolarinwa noted.
The aspirant also promised to run an inclusive administration that would ensure equitable development across all parts of the state.
“We will strengthen our economy through innovation, agriculture and enterprise development, while delivering people-centred governance driven by transparency and accountability,” he added.
Calling for support from party stakeholders and residents, Bolarinwa described his ambition as a collective effort.
“This is a collective mission, a movement for a better, stronger, and more inclusive Kwara. I cannot do it alone,” he said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts at the national level, stating that his administration would align with the Renewed Hope Agenda to deliver progress in the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for BOB 2027, Abolaji Afolabi, said the aspiration represented a broader vision for the state.
Afolabi stated, “It is about the collective yearning of our people for a Kwara that works for everyone, where opportunity is a right, not a privilege.”
Afolabi added that consultations across the state indicated a readiness among residents for purposeful leadership.
“We are confident that this is the leadership Kwara needs at this critical moment,” he said.
Kwara State has in recent years, recorded incidents of kidnapping and violent attacks, particularly in rural and border communities.
Although the state has generally been regarded as relatively stable compared to some parts of the region, it has in recent years experienced security challenges, including incidents of banditry and kidnapping, prompting growing calls for a stronger and more coordinated security response.
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