2027: Senator Sadiq Umar declares bid for Kwara governorship
Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State, setting the stage for what could become a closely watched political race in the North Central state.
The announcement, made on Tuesday at the Kwara Baseball Park in Adeta, Ilorin, drew supporters from across the state’s 16 local government areas, in a show of early grassroots mobilisation.
Umar, who represents Kwara North in the National Assembly, said his decision to run was driven by “a deep sense of responsibility” and a belief that the state’s future holds greater promise.
“The best days of Kwara are still ahead,” he told the crowd.
Calls for unity and equity
Speakers at the event framed the senator’s candidacy around regional balance and continuity, themes that often shape politics in the state.
A former chairman of Kaiama Local Government, identified as Bagudu, praised Umar’s performance in the Senate and urged supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding as political activities gather momentum.
Representatives from the three senatorial districts also voiced support for the bid.
Speaking for Kwara South, Elder JB Ayeni appealed for backing from across the state, noting that the district had held the governorship for eight years and calling for support for Kwara North’s aspiration.
From Kwara North, former Senator Hameed Mohammed urged supporters to move beyond symbolic endorsement and engage actively at the grassroots level.
A representative of Kwara Central, Alhaji Agboola, emphasised what he described as the need for equity, arguing that Kwara North has had limited opportunities to produce a governor.
Promise of continuity
In his speech, Umar commended the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, pledging to sustain and expand ongoing reforms if elected.
He outlined a broad policy agenda focused on infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and economic development, while also highlighting renewable energy, particularly solar power, as a priority for public institutions and rural communities.
“We must protect what has been achieved, expand what has begun, and boldly move Kwara into a future of shared prosperity,” he said.
The senator also promised to strengthen security through community-based approaches and improved intelligence, and to invest in youth development through education, technology and the creative industries.
Who is Sadiq Umar
Umar, a member of the All Progressives Congress, was first elected to the Senate in 2019 and re-elected in 2023. He currently chairs the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment.
Before entering politics, he built a career in public health and international development, working on programmes aimed at improving conditions for vulnerable communities.
Known among supporters as “3SU”, he has cultivated an image as a grassroots-oriented politician, with a focus on youth empowerment and rural development.
