A former Senator representing Kwara Central at the National Assembly, Dr Yahaya Oloriegbe, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
Addressing a gathering of stakeholders, supporters, and party loyalists in Ilorin on Friday, the former lawmaker said his decision to join the race followed extensive consultations and a deep sense of responsibility to serve the people of the state.
Addressing a gathering of stakeholders, supporters, and party loyalists in Ilorin on Friday, the former lawmaker said his decision to join the race followed extensive consultations and a deep sense of responsibility to serve the people of the state.
Oloriegbe explained that his ambition was not driven by personal interest but by a conviction that the state requires experienced and prepared leadership at this stage of its development.
He acknowledged the role of the ruling party in stabilising governance in the state but maintained that more deliberate efforts were needed to translate that stability into tangible progress.
“Today is not simply a day of announcement. Today is a day of acceptance; a day to accept responsibility and to answer a call.
“I do not make this declaration out of vanity. I do not make it for the title. I make it because I am convinced that the next chapter of Kwara requires tested judgment, disciplined governance, and a leader ready to serve from the first day.
“Foundation matters, but foundation is not completion. Stability is important, but stability is not the destination,” he said.
Drawing from his background as a medical doctor, the former senator likened the state’s situation to that of a recovering patient, stressing the need for sustained and structured intervention.
“A patient may be stable, and yet not be strong enough to stand; after stability must come strength, and after strength must come full recovery. That is where Kwara is today.
“When I speak about governance, I am not speaking from a distance. I am speaking from experience, leadership is a duty. Public office is a trust, not a trophy,” he said.
The governorship aspirant outlined a five-point agenda focused on security, economic productivity, healthcare, fairness, and effective governance, promising what he described as disciplined and result-oriented leadership.
He also assured inclusiveness, particularly for youths and women, noting that governance must go beyond rhetoric to actual empowerment.
“Security is not a slogan; it is the first duty of government. What we need is not noise, but clarity; not promises, but pathways, to the youth of Kwara. You are central to the future of this state. To the women, you are not a constituency to be remembered only during elections,” he added.
Dr. Oloriegbe served as the Senator representing Kwara Central in Nigeria’s 9th National Assembly from 2019 to 2023.
He was elected in 2019 under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform and served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health during this term.
