APC Primaries: ‘You’re all winners’ – Gov AbdulRazaq to aspirants

By Ahmed Olayinka

Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has described aspirants contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the party primaries as “all winners,” irrespective of the outcome of the exercise, THE PRIME NEWS reports.

The governor said the large number of aspirants seeking elective positions under the APC reflects growing public confidence in the party and the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

AbdulRazaq spoke at the APC secretariat in Ilorin while addressing House of Assembly aspirants, according to a statement issued by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola.

He attributed the increasing popularity of the APC to the economic and infrastructural reforms being implemented by the Tinubu administration.

“We have strong leadership at the national level. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is transforming our economy. That is why you see all these developments in this state,” the governor said.

“He was able to release the resources. You can see the development we did in the first term of the administration and in the second term. So things are moving rapidly, and we’ll continue to do our best in every area and every segment of this state economy.”

AbdulRazaq said the APC remains attractive because of its democratic culture and openness to political participation.

“APC is the vehicle to come on board with. You know what we met in this state and you see how we have transformed the state, as against the poor state of things we inherited. Kwarans are not fools. They know their history very well,” he added.

The governor recalled that when his administration assumed office in 2019, the state was grappling with salary arrears, poor infrastructure, and neglect in the education sector.

“In 2019 when we came in, they were not paying salaries. Teachers were being owed. Our schools were dilapidated. The counterpart funds to UBEC had not been paid for seven years,” he said.

“They abandoned education. These are the same people that want to come back. I’m not even talking about health care or going into infrastructure. In seven years, we have built more roads than they built in 16 years.”

He also highlighted achievements in the education sector, noting that students from Kwara State are gaining global recognition due to government investments.

“Our students keep winning honours all over the world. That shows our investment in education,” he said.

Addressing the aspirants, AbdulRazaq urged them to remain committed to the party, assuring them that contesting for office already qualifies them for future leadership opportunities.

“I congratulate all of you. All of you are winners. Each one of you. You see that our party is a very vibrant party. That is what the numbers have shown,” he said.

“It is a democracy. Nobody is stopping you from obtaining forms. You are free to aspire to any position you want in this state and in this federation.”

The governor said consultations would continue among party stakeholders ahead of the primaries and appealed for unity among members regardless of the outcome.

“You’ve qualified yourself for appointments by obtaining the forms to contest for this office. You’ve shown that you are qualified to lead in this state. So, this is just a stepping stone,” he added.

He further encouraged younger aspirants not to lose hope if they fail to secure the party’s ticket.

“You’re all young people. Who knows, there’s a governor amongst you here today, In Sha Allah. I continue to urge you to support the party,” he said.

“And if you don’t get the ticket now, that’s not the end of the world. Maybe that’s not what God has in stock for you. You will have something else.”

AbdulRazaq also disclosed that President Tinubu is expected to visit Kwara State later in the year to inaugurate some projects executed by the administration.

“Let’s support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to take this country to greater heights. He’ll be coming to Kwara before the end of this year to launch some of our projects, and we’ll give him a rousing welcome,” he stated.

The governor further highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects across the state, including the Osi-Obbo-Aiyegunle road, projects in Pategi, the Pategi Motel, and the Great Cultural Centre in Pategi.

Speaking earlier, the Kwara APC Chairman, Sunday Fagbemi, commended the governor for what he described as unprecedented developmental achievements across the state.

“Every segment of Kwara has experienced progressive changes. You are supposed to make this your campaign point. Our achievements are huge and unprecedented,” Fagbemi said.

The APC in Kwara State has intensified consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid increasing political activities across the state.