By Ibraheem Abdullateef
The campaign for Kwara APC is yet to officially commence, but recent events, visits, and moves involving Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq have clearly indicated that the party still holds the ace in the north central state. Opposition PDP and some of their vociferous leaders were understandably thrown into panic mode, with some of them forced to come home after a long break from the state.
If there is anything the events of the past few days have shown, it is that the vast majority of the people appreciate the Governor for his giant strides and track record of achievements across healthcare, education, agriculture, road, among others.
Did you also observe the scene in Offa? Natural love and massive acceptance were on display for His Excellency when he graced the maolid nabiy celebration organised by the Chief Imam of Offa. He was hailed and offered a triumphant welcome to the foremost town.
Travel time from Offa to Ilorin has been reduced from 1hr to 30mins– with an alternative route facilitated by the Governor through the FG Tax Credit Scheme. Instead of the usual route of Ajase-Ipo expressway, commuters can now link Offa through the Eiyenkorin-Afon-Ojoku road in a pleasurable and smooth ride.
After many years of abandon, AbdulRazaq it was who approved a major facelift and upgrade for the Olofa Stadium. Several school facilities and healthcare centres have attracted new investments under his administration. The Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Offa and several others have been fixed by the administration. Offa, like other communities in the state, is therefore understandably grateful to the Governor, and they showed it with the grand reception accorded to him during the maolid event.
Back to Kwara Central, where the Governor is contesting for the senate seat as the APC flagbearer, the love has been massive. The popularity of AbdulRazaq was evident during his visit to the Adabiyyah family for their first Friday usrah after the talk-of-the-town centenary celebration. There, the Governor was praised for his good work and his constant touch with the Adabiyyah community. Of course, he didn’t leave there without doing what he loves to do best: supporting education and learners. He donated an additional sum of N20m to students of the Muhammad Kamaludeen University (MKU), making 50 million naira in educational grants for the students, and a total donation of N200m for the Adabiyyah institution.
AbdulRazaq was also in his Adewole ward of Ilorin West. Despite being a surprise visit, residents and supporters mobilised themselves to give the Governor a warm and pleasant welcome. AbdulRazaq appreciated members of his ward for their support so far and charged them to vote APC from top to bottom. He invited them to join him at the inauguration of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement at the Adewole Baseball Park.
The inauguration of the state structure of two APC support groups — PBAT Door-to-Door Movement and the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement (RHYE) — was about the clearest indication that Kwara remains the stronghold of APC. The venues of the two events held days apart from each other assumed a campaign-like atmosphere. Filled to the brim, with supporters chanting solidarity songs, our visitors were truly wowed at the level of support APC enjoys in Kwara, giving the lie to the various funny claims some hacks have been making about the state.
In Lajiki, Maya, and Ile Apa of Ilorin East, residents were so happy to receive AbdulRazaq and his team. Also another surprise visit, they gathered in their numbers to listen to the Governor and express their solidarity for his party on account of his superlative achievements in the rural areas. In what signals that politicking won’t distract the Governor from governance, he communicated his approval of the construction of the 10km Oke-Ose/Ile-Apa/Lajiki road, and pledged to improve the water and electricity situation in the communities.
Also in Ilorin East, what was just planned to be a simple condolence visit to the immediate family of the Sarkin Gambari, Alhaji Ahmed Yahaya Seriki, who passed on recently, as well as the Sarkin Gobir family on the death of one of their matriarchs, turned out to be another platform of street credibility for the Governor. There were hailings here and there. ‘Sardauna.’ ‘Sardaunan Ilorin.’ ‘Alade.’ All by passers by and residents to express their love and support for the Governor.
On each stop, AbdulRazaq speaks in fluent Yoruba dialect, striking a rich connection with the people. This has greatly unsettled the opposition who thought they could decieve the public that the Governor is not an efficient communicator.
At this point, the Kwara Central senatorial race is appearing almost like a walkover for the Governor. He is dictating the pace for his contenders, and the vast majority of the masses who determine voting direction align with Abdulrazaq. The momentum keeps rising everyday. The movement is also swelling. The APC catchphrase ‘Iwaju La Nlo’ is spreading like an inferno.
But for AbdulRazaq, humility is key. The project to sustain APC in power is as important as it was when Kwarans dislodged and uprooted PDP in 2019. This was highlighted by one of such torchbearers, Prof AbdulRaheem Oba, in a recent visit by the Governor to his house. Prof Oba was emphatic that even if he was no longer interested in elective office, the septuagenarian believes that it is a duty to bequeathe power to the next generation to take it forward. The elder statesman has directed all his followers to line up firmly behind Sardauna AbdulRazaq, Rt. Hon. Saliu Yakubu Danladi, and all APC candidates.
Even up to Abuja, the support is growing for AbdulRazaq. The APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) led by DG AbdulAziz Yari was on a visit to Kwara in the course of this period. Contrary to the claims of rainbow coalition and all, no leader of the coalition was recognised for visit or consultation by the delegation which comprised former governors, former members of the National Assembly, and other key political leaders. Apart from the Government House, the delegation only visited the Emir’s Palace. It was a clear vote of confidence in the leadership of AbdulRazaq to deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC in Kwara.
Across communities, and from door to door in Kwara Central, AbdulRazaq’s senatorial ambition continues to gain support. The hurricane has just swept in another grassroots mobilizer, the energetic Comrade Musbau Esinrogunjo to swell the ranks.
The words on the streets are that constituents are tired of sob stories and excuses. They want a man who can show workings, deepen lawmaking, facilitate institutions, and deliver results. They want impacts now and AbdulRazaq is the one to look to. He is the #SenatorWeNeed.
•Abdullateef is the Senior Special Assistant on Communications to Kwara Governor