APC female aspirant seeks Kwara South senatorial seat

A female aspirant for the Kwara South Senatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress, Muheebat Dankaka, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, while declaring her intention to contest in the 2027 general elections.

Dankaka made the declaration on Saturday in Offa, Kwara State, saying her decision followed sustained calls from constituents urging her to represent them at the National Assembly.

The aspirant noted that she had previously contested for the seat in 2015 and 2019, describing her renewed bid as a defining moment for greater women’s participation in leadership.

She said, “My people have demanded that I step forward to represent them in the Senate. I have contested twice, in 2015 and 2019, but this is the time for a woman to take the mantle. It is a defining moment for women’s participation in leadership.”

Dankaka attributed her earlier electoral setback partly to issues surrounding her name, explaining that despite being an indigene of Kwara State, her marital name created complications.

“My name was removed in the previous election due to ‘Dankaka,’ which is associated with my husband from Kano. Although I am from Kwara, that factor played a role in my exclusion. Now, my people have asked me to return and contest again,” she said.

Highlighting her professional experience, the aspirant expressed confidence in her ability to deliver effective representation if elected.

“I have the experience and competence to deliver. I served as treasurer of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce for six years, worked as a banker, and later became the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, overseeing operations across the 36 states and the FCT. In all these roles, I performed excellently,” she stated.

She pledged to prioritise inclusive, people-oriented policies that would address critical needs across the senatorial district.

“I will ensure that my people are well represented and taken care of. My focus will be on improving their lives across all sectors, without discrimination,” she said.

Reiterating her support for Tinubu’s second-term bid, Dankaka also commended Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his leadership, alongside the APC leadership in the state, including Sunday Fagbemi.

“I fully support the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term and commend Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the good work he is doing in Kwara. I also appreciate the APC leadership in the state,” she said.

She appealed to party members and constituents in Ekiti, Isin, and Oke-Ero local government areas to support her aspiration, promising not to betray their trust.

“I call on party members and the good people of Ekiti, Isin, and Oke-Ero to support me, just as they did previously. I will not disappoint you. I am committed to serving with integrity and dedication,” Dankaka added.

She further emphasised the need to expand opportunities for women in governance, describing it as key to achieving sustainable development.

“We are not saying men cannot do it, but this is an opportunity to give a woman the mandate and witness even greater results,” she said.

Reacting, the Chairman of Offa Local Government, Suleiman Olatunji, described Dankaka as a credible and tested candidate with a track record of impacting lives positively.

“Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is a blessing to Kwara, and so is this female aspirant for Kwara South. She has sown seeds that will yield positive results, and we will give glory to God when the time comes,” he said.

He urged constituents to support her during the party primaries and beyond, expressing confidence in her capacity to deliver.

“Her character, behaviour, and antecedents have earned her the trust of the people. I urge you to support her during the primaries. Whatever position comes to our zone, we will rally behind her and ensure she succeeds,” Olatunji added.