Kwara 2027: I am qualified to lead — APC guber candidate Danladi-Salihu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Kwara State for the 2027 election, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, has declared that his experience as Speaker of the state House of Assembly has prepared him to lead the state.

Danladi-Salihu said his seven-and-a-half-year tenure as Speaker had equipped him with the leadership skills and governance experience required to manage the affairs of Kwara State.

He made the statement in an interview with BBC News Yoruba while responding to claims that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had chosen him as his preferred successor.

The APC candidate argued that his ability to remain in office for more than seven years demonstrated his capacity to manage competing interests and maintain stability within the legislature.

“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.

Danladi-Salihu maintained that candidates’ qualifications should be assessed based on their records in public service, governance experience and educational background.

“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.

He attributed the relative stability of the ninth and 10th Kwara State House of Assembly under his leadership to cordial relations between the legislative and executive arms of government.

According to him, the Assembly remained united and avoided major internal crises and confrontations with the executive during his tenure, allowing lawmakers to focus on legislation and development.

The APC governorship candidate also pledged to build on the achievements of the AbdulRazaq administration if elected governor in 2027.

He said his proposed administration would prioritise attracting investment, promoting industrialisation and expanding agricultural development across the state.