The political landscape of Kwara State witnessed a major shift on Monday as Omar Bolaji Gambari (OBG) officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 Governorship election under the leading opposition party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Addressing members of the Fourth Estate and stakeholders at NOKTEL Resorts, Ilorin, the legal practitioner and agropreneur unveiled a comprehensive blueprint for the state, centered on five core pillars which are People, Protection, Prosperity, Politics, and Partnership.
Gambari during his declaration speech challenged the “business-as-usual” approach to political campaigns, urging the media and citizens to demand the how and not just the what from aspirants.
“I do not claim to have all the answers, but I know that which I do not know. Our drive is a shared future. It is not enough to make promises; we must hold leaders accountable. If someone says they will give you light in four years, ask them: ‘How exactly are you going to do it, sir?'” He said.
Identifying security as the state’s most pressing challenge, Gambari argued that kidnappings and banditry are fueled by ungoverned spaces
and economic desperation.
He highlighted that the menace can best be curtailed through the Non-Kinetic approach by ttacking poverty and hunger to remove the incentive for crime and through the Kinetic approach by strengthening intelligence and coordination with security agencies, while keeping strategic plans confidential to maintain an edge over miscreants.
Leveraging his background as a farmer, Gambari proposed a revolutionary shift in the state’s economy, where he highlighted an All-Year Farming through which Government-backed clearing of 10,000 to 20,000 hectares with installed industrial irrigation can end reliance on rainy seasons.
He added that the Global Markets which focus on high-value exports like Hibiscus to put dollars directly into the hands of Kwara farmers can also improve the state’s economy.
Further, Gambari added that creating an enabling environment can shift the government from doing business to providing the infrastructure for private sector growth.
Speaking on ending Marginalization within the State, He revealed his plan to establish The North & South Development Commissions to address long-standing cries of neglect, where he proposed the creation of the Kwara North Development Commission and the Kwara South Development Commission.
According to him, these commissions will be staffed and led by indigenes of those specific regions which will create direct accountability.
“The person with the stone in his shoe knows where it hurts most,” Gambari noted, emphasizing that regional sons and daughters must design their own development path.
On improving the health sector, He noted by using tax proceeds from prosperous farmers can help in funding a robust insurance scheme and deploying Mobile Clinics to reach rural areas.
Acknowledging the deficit in school buildings, Gambari proposed the use of Solar-powered iPads and technology to allow one teacher to reach millions of students, he added that these can also be improved by using digital tools to monitor teacher quality and ensure Kwara children can compete globally.
Gambari emphasized that no single individual or zone holds the key to Kwara’s problems. He vowed to run an open, ethical government that partners with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), NGOs, students, and the private sector.
“When you lift your people up, your community is strong. We will secure our communities using modern techniques so that safety and security are not just words, but things people feel in their daily lives.” He added.
More pictures from the press conference;
