The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Kwara State, Abdulmumin Ajia, has officially commenced his campaign for the 2027 election, promising to prioritise security, education, healthcare, employment and infrastructure if elected.
The Punch reported that Ajia launched the campaign in Ilorin on Thursday and unveiled his “Forward Kwara Agenda”, which he described as an integrated development plan aimed at addressing the state’s key challenges.
The NDC candidate criticised the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, describing them as representatives of what he termed “old politics.”
He accused the two parties of pursuing scattered projects and political convenience instead of a coordinated approach to governance.
“The APC and PDP represent the old approach of scattered projects, political convenience and programmes that do not work together,” Ajia said.
He said the NDC would take a different approach by connecting security, education, healthcare, transportation, agriculture, employment and development at the local level.
Ajia also pledged to improve public schools and health facilities, expand access to affordable health insurance, rehabilitate roads and improve public transportation. He promised support for traders, artisans, farmers and small businesses while linking education and skills acquisition to employment opportunities.
On agriculture, the candidate said his administration would increase production and processing, while also establishing a framework to address outstanding pensioners’ gratuities.
Ajia said his government would make its major commitments and implementation timelines public, with the responsible institutions identified to allow residents to monitor its performance.
“We will publish our commitments. We will report our progress. We will explain delays. And we will accept responsibility for our performance,” he stated.
The NDC candidate said his campaign would be centred on issues rather than attacks on political opponents, stressing that his ambition was to serve the people rather than enrich himself.
“I will never be party to anything or anyone that will corrupt the system,” he said.
He urged voters to demand accountability from elected officials and warned against placing party loyalty above the interests of Kwara State.
“Do not give us four years of silence. Do not defend us when we are wrong simply because you voted for us,” Ajia said.
During the campaign activities, Ajia toured parts of Ilorin, where he interacted with residents and traders before visiting traditional leaders to seek their support and blessings.
He visited the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin and the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin Emirate, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku.
He also visited the scene of an accident around Taiwo Road, where he sympathised with victims, collected their contact details and promised to assist them.
At the flag-off ceremony, Ajia unveiled retired educationist, Elder Ajayi Israel Awolowo, as his running mate. He also introduced the party’s candidates for the National Assembly and Kwara State House of Assembly elections.
The NDC candidate called on Kwarans to support the party’s candidates across the governorship, National Assembly and state Assembly elections, saying a uniform mandate would help the party implement its development agenda.
“We are not asking for a blank cheque. We are asking for the opportunity to serve and accepting the obligation to account for that service,” he said.
