By Folayimika Akanbi
Stakeholders including members of the academic community have rallied round the governorship ambition of the immediate past Senator for Kwara Central Senatorial District, Dr Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe.
They urged residents of Kwara State to shun sentiment and ethnic inclination on the choice of the next governor of the state, emphasizing competence and capacity as key factors.
This came as Oloriegbe formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 gubernatorial race of the state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
It was at the event convened in Ilorin where stakeholders told the gathering that the ex-legislator deserves to govern the state with his performance in the National Assembly between 2019 and 2023 as a first termer.
The former Head, Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin, Professor Lambe Kayode Mustapha, said the achievements of Oloriegbe in the Senate dwarfed that of his predecessors.
He noted that politics is about governance while governance is about the people, pointing out that the former Kwara Central Senator enriched lawmaking and governance with his quality representation that drew accolades even from the former President of the Senate, Dr Ibrahim Lawal.
“As a bona fide Ilorin man, I can say confidently that I have witnessed representation in the Senate since 1979 but none has performed better than Oloriegbe.
“And I’m saying with my full chest that nobody has been able to achieve what Oloriegbe achieved during his representation. I am using this to project him as a viable governorship candidate in 2027.
“While in the Senate, he focused on human development and as well as health and education where he delivered,” he said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Budo-Egba, Professor Baba-Awoye Isah, urged the people of Kwara not to throw away the quality in the former Senator.
He called on them to support the gubernatorial ambition of Oloriegbe, adding that his sterling performance in the upper chamber of the National Assembly prepared him for the task of governance.
Isah particularly referenced the establishment of the federal institution under his leadership, which Oloriegbe facilitated, saying that it has drawn development to the local community.
Declaring his intention to govern the state in the presence of party stakeholders, the former legislator described his candidacy as a call to strengthen existing foundations while delivering more structured and impactful governance.
Outlining his agenda, Oloriegbe presented five key commitments, beginning with improved security across the state.
He emphasized that safeguarding lives and property remains the primary duty of government, adding that citizens must feel safe to travel, work, and live without fear.
Oloriegbe also pledged to build a more productive economy by treating agriculture as a business, supporting small enterprises, and unlocking the economic potential of the state’s people and location.
He promised better healthcare delivery, with a focus on strengthening primary care systems and ensuring accessibility for all citizens.
On social inclusion, Oloriegbe highlighted the need for fairness, particularly for women and young people, noting that opportunities must not be limited to a privileged few.
He called for a system where all citizens can contribute meaningfully and benefit from governance.
Reflecting on the state’s political journey, the senator acknowledged the role of the APC in restoring stability and rebuilding trust in governance.
