A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olasheni Ibiwoye, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State under Peoples Democratic Party PDP, unveiling a five-point development blueprint anchored on security, economic growth, and people-centred governance.
Speaking on thursday during his official declaration at PDP state secretariat, Ibiwoye said his aspiration is driven by a “covenant with the people,” rather than a quest for power, stressing that his campaign is built on the core principle of “Secure Kwara First.”
Addressing party members, stakeholders, and supporters, the aspirant described Kwara as a state rich in cultural heritage and diversity, but in urgent need of renewed leadership focused on peace, prosperity, and inclusive development.
Five-Point Agenda
Ibiwoye outlined what he termed the “S-H-E-N-I Kwara Covenant Pillars,” a framework comprising five priority areas.
On SECURITY, he pledged to establish a community-driven architecture combining traditional institutions, local vigilantes, and intelligence-led policing to ensure safety across all communities.
He emphasized a shift from reactive to preventive security measures, supported by modern technology.
In the area of HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT, the aspirant proposed large-scale job creation through skills acquisition centres, ICT hubs, and a dedicated enterprise fund targeting youth and women. He also promised reforms in the education sector, including teacher retraining, digital learning systems, and curriculum alignment with global standards.
Ibiwoye further highlighted plans to strengthen social welfare systems, with a focus on civil servants, the elderly, widows, persons with disabilities, and low-income households.
On equitable development, he pledged to establish a RURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION to drive infrastructure and social services across all 16 local government areas, in synergy with the Local Government Chairmen towards ensuring that no community is left behind.
He also outlined an economic transformation agenda centred on AGRICULTURE and INFRASTRUCTURE. According to him, Kwara would be repositioned as a major agro-processing and export hub through mechanised farming, irrigation systems, and market access initiatives. He added that his administration would prioritise roads, housing, energy, and urban renewal projects to boost connectivity and economic activity.
The governorship hopeful stressed that transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness would underpin his administration if elected. He pledged to strengthen local governments, engage traditional institutions as partners, and ensure that all policies are guided by the interests of the people.
“Leadership must listen before it leads,” he said, adding that governance should empower citizens rather than dominate them.
Ibiwoye called on Kwarans at home and in the diaspora to support his vision, expressing confidence that collective effort would restore the state’s image and drive sustainable development.