Five Governorship Candidates; Hon Zakari Mohammed (ADC), Prof Abdulmumeen Yinka Ajia (NDC), Omotosho Bamidele Olaitan (APP), Dr Ridwanullahi Apaokagi (SDP) and Deacon Shola Victor Abioye (NDP) on Friday, November 6, 2026 attended the the Manifesto Discourse organised by Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP) in preparation for 2027 general elections.
The event held at Rotana Hotel, Ilorin created a platform for Governorship Candidates to discuss their policy directions, plans and programmes with critical stakeholders drawn from the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Kwara Must Change, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Elites Network for Sustainable Development (ENetSuD) and Community Based Organisations across the three senatorial districts of Kwara State.
In his welcome address, ASKOMP Chairman, Salihu Shola Taofeek said the discourse provides an avenue for candidates to amplify their manifestos, project leadership vision and policy direction ahead of 2027 general elections.
He said the Manifesto Discourse was designed to promote constructive engagement and allow Governorship Candidates in Kwara State to present their policy proposals and development priorities which will make the citizens make informed decision during the election.
Hon. Zakari Mohammed, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) said his academic credentials including PhD from the Defence Academy, Kaduna and experience in public service as a former Commissioner and House of Representatives Member prepared him to become a Governor that will transform the state.
He lambasted the candidates of APC and PDP: Hon Salihu Yakubu Danladi and Engr Bolakale Kawu for not attending ASKOMP Manifesto Discourse, describing the duo as puppets who have nothing to offer the state.
His words: “Supporting APC Candidate means a third term by proxy while the Kale Kawu will be serving 5th term. I will be a Governor and govern when elected. I would take decision without rushing to a godfather for clearance. I urge Kwarans to vote ADC to take this state to enviable heights like other first generation states in Nigeria.”
Zakari promised to deploy sophisticated technologies to tackle longstanding security bedevilling the state, noting that the current administration has failed Kwarans because of kidnapping and banditry.
The ADC Governorship Candidate vowed to use the state judiciously and spread development across the three senatorial districts. “We would address the Infrastructural dearth in rural areas and revamp the state economy”.
The NDC Governorship Candidate, Prof Abdulmumeen Yinka Ajia in his presentation unveiled his manifesto tagged – Kwara Forward with six pillars.
“We respect our people and ASKOMP, I returned to Nigeria from the United States to attend this Manifesto Discourse. The Kwara Forward Manifesto has six pillars with security, education and economy as the areas of priority. ” Ajia explained.
He said the APC Governorship Candidate, Yakubu Danladi lacks the experience to govern Kwara State, adding that “we will not allow Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s third term by proxy”
On his part, the APP Governorship Candidate, Omotosho Bamidele Olaitan promised to increase N100,000 bursary for Kwara students in higher institutions and introduce free healthcare for vulnerable people in the society.
Olaitan said his administration would explore abandoned mineral resources in the state to increase internally generated revenue, noting no state can develop with allocation from the federation account only.
On local government administration, the Social Democratic Party Candidate, Dr Ridwanullahi Apaokagi promised to implement local government autonomy with the view of fast track grassroots development inline with provisions of Nigeria’s constitution.
Apaokagi, a Medical Doctor also promised to improve the state healthcare and education sector through strategic investment.
The National Democratic Party (NDP) Governorship Candidate, Deacon Shola Victor Abioye outlined his agenda to fast track Kwara State development and progress.
While delivering the vote of thanks, the Secretary of ASKOMP Manifesto Discourse Planning Committee, Saeed Tijjani (Publisher of 9japarrot) noted that the association invited all 12 Governorship Candidates on the final list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Tijjani appreciated the five candidates who honoured the invitation to discuss their manifesto and policy directions with Kwarans
