2027: Danladi-Salihu Declares Himself Most Experienced Among Kwara Governorship Aspirants

The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, has described himself as the most experienced and competent among those seeking to become the state’s next governor.

 

Danladi-Salihu made the claim in an interview with BBC News Yoruba while responding to allegations that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had handpicked him as his preferred successor.

 

Dismissing the allegation, the Speaker said his legislative experience and record in governance had prepared him for the position.

 

He cited his seven-and-a-half-year tenure as Speaker of the state Assembly as evidence of his competence, arguing that his continued leadership reflected the confidence of his colleagues.

 

“If I had not measured up to the task, my colleagues — the 23 members I led for seven years — would have removed me from office. For someone to lead the legislative arm for about seven and a half years without any trouble or conflict implies that the person is highly competent,” he said.

 

The APC candidate maintained that competence should be assessed based on a candidate’s record in public service, governance and educational qualifications.

 

“Among all those vying for the governorship, considering the experience I have garnered, who else has achieved what I have? I possess more experience than all of them. And regarding education, I hold all the necessary qualifications required to steer the affairs of Kwara State,” he added.

 

Danladi-Salihu said his tenure had been characterised by stability in the Assembly, a cordial relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government, and the passage of laws supporting the state government’s development agenda.

 

He also claimed that the ninth and 10th Assemblies, under his leadership, had remained united and focused on development, without internal crises or confrontations with the executive.

 

The Speaker described the record as evidence of his ability to manage governance, maintain institutional stability and build consensus as he prepares to contest the 2027 governorship election.