Senate Deputy Leader Declares For 2027 Kwara Governorship Race

The Deputy Senate Leader and Senator representing Kwara South, Lola Ashiru, has declared his intention to contest the Kwara State governorship seat in the 2027 general elections.

Abia Radio News reports that Ashiru made the declaration on Sunday while receiving executive members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Kwara State chapter, at his country home in Offa.

The lawmaker expressed confidence in his chances, stating that he possesses the experience and understanding required to lead the state.

“I have come into this race. Before now I have not come out to say I will contest, but in sha Allah, I am going to contest because I believe I have the best of credentials to rule Kwara State for the next four years starting in 2027 and I believe I probably understand the people and the place called Kwara because I have been here longer than any contestant,” he said.

Ashiru added that while Kwara North may feel marginalised, power must be contested rather than allocated.

“I sympathise with the Kwara North because they have been cheated out of power for a very long time; they have a good reason to say it’s their turn, but power is not like that. It’s not served in a plate, you struggle for it. You present yourself for it,” he stated.

He also dismissed religious and ethnic considerations as decisive factors, noting that past elections in the state have produced winners across different faiths and districts.

Commenting on the recent bandit attacks in Kaiama Local Government Area, Ashiru urged federal and state governments to adopt a prosperity-driven approach to border security.

“I feel our border links with neighbouring communities must be well managed. The first and most important step is to spread prosperity across these areas,” he said.

According to him, economically empowered border communities would be less susceptible to criminal infiltration.

“Prosperity has a lot of influence on people’s ability to resist aggression, whether verbal or physical. Communities like Eruku and Koro are very similar. Eruku borders Kogi State, while Erile here borders Osun State,” he explained.

He stressed the need for coordinated efforts among states sharing boundaries, saying, “Niger State should protect its territory by spreading prosperity, Kwara State should do the same, and Kogi State should also ensure prosperity along the Eruku and Koro axis.”

Ashiru also commended the resilience of residents of Woro and Kaiama, praying for the repose of those killed in the attacks.

“We must not forget that countless people have been murdered. And I appreciate the efforts of the Federal Government for taking several steps to safeguard the lives of the people,” he added.