APC congress: "I’ve raised the bar in Kwara, successor must aim higher"

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Tuesday declared that his administration has significantly raised the standard of governance in the state, urging whoever succeeds him to take development to even greater heights.

The Governor made the remarks while addressing party faithful and dignitaries at the All Progressives Congress (APC) state congress held in Ilorin, where party executives were returned unopposed in what leaders described as a vote of confidence in their stewardship.

AbdulRazaq said his six-year administration has recorded unprecedented investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, revenue reforms, and social protection programmes, adding that Kwara has witnessed a remarkable turnaround across critical sectors.

“If I may say so myself, I think we’ve done very well — exceedingly well,” he said. “Over the past six years, we have seen greater investments in infrastructure and other important sectors than what we met on ground. I have raised the bar, and as a team, we have raised the bar. I pray that whoever succeeds me will raise it even further for the good of our people.”

The Governor emphasized that he has no intention of building a political dynasty, stressing that his focus remains on leaving behind enduring legacies.

“We’re not here to build a dynasty; we’re here to build a legacy,” he stated. “Kwara has taken a new turn — a turn for the better — and I don’t know what the opposition will campaign with.”

AbdulRazaq also called for unity and sportsmanship as party primaries approach, describing internal contests as a natural part of democracy.

“There should be healthy competition. Those who win party tickets should carry others along. It should remain one family,” he urged.

The Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership at the national level, saying the APC-led federal government has shown a clear roadmap for Nigeria’s development.

“Inflation has dropped, the exchange rate is stabilising, GDP is improving. The President is doing well. This is the party with vision and direction,” he added.

Earlier, the APC State Chairman, Sunday Fagbemi, who was returned to office alongside other members of the state executive committee, praised the Governor’s performance, describing it as transformative.

Fagbemi cited achievements including the construction of 586 kilometres of roads and the recruitment of 8,912 teachers — which he described as the highest by any administration in the state since 1999. He also referenced improvements in healthcare indicators, including a reduction in child mortality rates.

The Chairman of the State Congress Committee, Dr. Alkali Alibe, said the affirmation of the party leadership was in line with the party’s constitution, noting that Kwara has experienced political consolidation under AbdulRazaq’s leadership.

“Kwara State has been consolidating politically under your leadership. People are happy under your stewardship as Governor, and we have seen evidence of this across the state,” Alibe said.

The congress was attended by top party stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Salihu Yakubu Danladi; senators, members of the House of Representatives, state lawmakers, cabinet members, and other party leaders.

The peaceful conduct of the congress, party leaders said, further demonstrated unity and stability within the APC structure in Kwara State.