Dr. Azeez Salako Declares Candidacy for Kwara State Governor
In a significant political development, Dr. Azeez Muhydeen Salako, the global president of the Offa Descendants Union (ODU), officially entered the Kwara State gubernatorial race on Monday. He presented his letter of intent to Sunday Fagbemi, the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking his first foray into electoral politics. This declaration intensifies the competition for the APC governorship ticket in Kwara, as more aspirants continue to emerge on a near-weekly basis.
Salako's Vision for Kwara: From Political Jobbers to Entrepreneurs
Salako, who is seeking to become the party's consensus candidate, expressed confidence in his ability to lead the state effectively. He emphasized that selecting him would not cause discord within the APC, stating, "picking me as the consensus candidate will not create any problems for the party." His core philosophy is to sustain progressive governance, asserting, "the progressive rule must be sustained."
Addressing the pressing issue of security, Salako lamented the deteriorating situation in Kwara, noting that the state was previously more secure. He clarified, "we all know it is not the governor's fault, the menace crawled in gradually to swallow the entire country. But we shall take care of this if given the opportunity." His campaign is anchored on delivering good governance and improving livelihoods, drawing from his 40 years of experience as a community leader. Salako highlighted his personal struggles in early life, which he believes give him insight into the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
Infrastructure and Rural Development as Key Priorities
While acknowledging Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's developmental efforts, Salako outlined areas for improvement, including security, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation. He stressed the need to reconnect rural communities with the state capital, particularly in Kwara North, which is a major food-producing region. "Most rural areas can no longer link the state capital; farming activities and agro-allied industries must be re-energized," he said.
Salako promised to ensure that all local government headquarters are connected to the state capital via good roads. Additionally, he pledged to provide essential social services such as electricity and water. A distinctive aspect of his platform is the commitment to foster political entrepreneurs rather than political jobbers, aiming to create sustainable economic opportunities within the political sphere.
APC Leadership Responds with Encouragement and Advice
In response, APC State Chairman Sunday Fagbemi congratulated Salako on his courage to contest the governorship race. He urged Salako to remain optimistic and focus on issue-based campaigning rather than personal confrontations. Fagbemi expressed confidence in Salako's capability to elevate the state, saying, "We pray you achieve your desire; we pray you get there; we pray the best happen to Kwara; we pray you are that best."
He advised Salako to "continue to win people with what you want to do for Kwara and how you wish to lift Kwara, don't attack individuals." This endorsement underscores the party's support for a constructive and focused electoral process as the race heats up ahead of the upcoming elections.
