By Abe Emmanuel Kolawole
AS the 2027 governorship race in Kwara approaches, many Kwarans are expressing their interest in uplifting the state. While there is nothing wrong with the desire to govern Kwara, which is known as the ‘State of Harmony’, it is essential that the state is led by someone with proven integrity, vision, and unwavering dedication to the people.
Although past leaders have made significant contributions to the state’s development, there is still much more to be accomplished. This gap is where Amb Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, the new entrant into the race, aims to make a difference.
Seriki stands out as a testament to transformative leadership. With a strong track record of service, empowerment, and community-driven initiatives, he embodies the qualities Kwara deserves in its next governor.
A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Seriki is no stranger to leadership. As the Director-General of the APC campaigns in 2019 and 2023, he demonstrated political acumen and organisational expertise, successfully spearheading strategies that led to the party’s victories.
Having previously run for governor in 2019 and for senator in 2023, Seriki possesses a deep understanding of Kwara’s challenges and aspirations, positioning him as a leader ready to govern from day one.
Seriki’s commitment to uplifting citizens is unparalleled. He has directly employed over 500 Kwarans, bringing hope to families and stimulating local economies. Through the Yahaya Seriki Foundation, he disbursed ₦320 million in cash grants to citizens in August 2023 alone, providing essential support for entrepreneurship and poverty alleviation. These initiatives highlight his belief in empowering people rather than merely making promises.
Recognising that education is foundational to progress, Seriki has invested significantly in the youth of Kwara. He donated 13-seater and 37-seater buses to schools affiliated with the Ilorin Chief Imam and other institutions to alleviate transportation barriers for students. His foundation has also produced six PhD graduates, with more in the pipeline, ensuring that Kwara’s intellectual capital continues to grow. By covering school fees and funding scholarships, he is securing a brighter future for the next generations.
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Just last month, Seriki executed the largest annual food relief initiative in Kwara’s history, helping thousands of vulnerable families. His foundation regularly supports widows, pays hospital bills—both locally and internationally—and renovates places of worship, fostering unity and inclusivity. These actions reflect a leader who governs with both compassion and reason.
Beyond individual support, Seriki’s ₦100 million donation to the Ilorin Defenders Progressive Union and his infrastructure interventions demonstrate his commitment to community development. By bridging divides between faiths and communities, he champions a Kwara where no one is left behind.
Seriki is not just a candidate; he represents a movement. His vision for Kwara includes economic revival, educational advancement, healthcare accessibility, and social cohesion. For voters looking for a leader who delivers tangible results, Seriki’s legacy of service speaks volumes.
As the 2027 election approaches, Kwara must make a wise choice. Let us unite behind a man who has transformed countless lives, not through mere rhetoric, but through decisive action. Together, we can build a Kwara that serves all its people, with Seriki leading the way.
The time for change is now. The choice is clear.
•Kolawole is a political analyst and youth leader from Lagos.