Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has described all aspirants of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the party primaries as “all winners”, regardless of the eventual outcome of the internal contest.
The governor made the remark while addressing House of Assembly aspirants at the APC secretariat in Ilorin, according to a statement issued by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola.
AbdulRazaq said the increasing number of aspirants seeking elective positions under the APC reflected public confidence in the party and in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He argued that ongoing economic and infrastructure reforms at the federal level had strengthened the ruling party’s appeal across the country.
“We have strong leadership at the national level. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is transforming our economy,” he said, adding that federal support had enabled development projects across Kwara State.
The governor maintained that the APC remained the most attractive political platform due to its internal democratic culture and openness to aspirants.
He also used the occasion to highlight his administration’s record since 2019, stating that Kwara had witnessed significant improvements in education, infrastructure and governance.
AbdulRazaq recalled that his government inherited salary arrears, dilapidated schools and outstanding obligations to education funding agencies when it assumed office.
He claimed that his administration had since cleared many of these challenges and invested heavily in road construction and education, adding that Kwara students were now gaining international recognition.
“In seven years, we have built more roads than they built in 16 years,” the governor said.
Addressing the aspirants directly, he praised their ambition and urged them to view participation in the primaries as a step towards future leadership opportunities.
“I congratulate all of you. All of you are winners,” he told them, stressing that internal competition should not divide party members.
He encouraged unity within the party, noting that not all aspirants would secure tickets due to the limited number of available positions, but assured them that the process would be fair and inclusive.
The governor also hinted at continued consultations within the party ahead of the primaries and urged members to remain committed to the APC’s broader objectives.
He further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would visit Kwara State later in the year to commission ongoing projects executed by the administration.
The governor listed several infrastructure projects, including the Osi-Obbo-Aiyegunle road, developments in Pategi, the Pategi Motel, and the Great Cultural Centre, as part of ongoing efforts to modernise the state.
Speaking earlier, Kwara APC Chairman Sunday Fagbemi commended the governor for what he described as unprecedented developmental achievements across the state, urging aspirants to leverage the administration’s record as a campaign strength.
The party has intensified consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with stakeholders expressing confidence that the APC will retain control of Kwara State based on its performance since 2019.
Political activity within the state has continued to rise as aspirants position themselves for the upcoming primaries, expected to determine the party’s candidates for various elective offices.