The Senate Deputy Majority Leader, Oyelola Ashiru, on Thursday officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State.
Ashiru made the declaration in Ilorin, stating that he would be seeking the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ashiru’s entry into the race adds to the growing list of aspirants within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It would be recalled that another serving senator from Kwara North, Sadiq Suleiman Umar, had earlier indicated interest in contesting the governorship seat under the same platform.
The development signals what observers describe as an early build-up of political activities within the APC in the state.
During his declaration, Ashiru unveiled a policy document titled “Covenant with Kwara,” which he described as a roadmap for governance if elected.
The senator said the document represents “a blueprint for inclusive governance, shared prosperity and generational renewal.” He explained that the plan is anchored on seven key pillars aimed at addressing critical sectors of the state’s development.
The lawmaker stated that his ambition goes beyond routine governance, promising a deliberate and measurable transformation of the state.
“I am asking for the mandate to govern Kwara State from 2027 to 2031. Not to manage it. Not to preside over it. To transform it, deliberately, systematically and with every Kwaran able to see, in real time, whether I am keeping my word,” he said.
Ashiru further stressed that his administration would prioritise the welfare of citizens, linking governance decisions directly to the everyday realities of the people.
