Pressure mounts on Professor Ajia to join 2027 Kwara governorship race.

A growing coalition of civic organisations, youth groups and grassroots movements has intensified calls on Professor Abdulmumin Yinka Ajia to join the 2027 governorship race in Kwara State, describing him as a competent and visionary figure capable of driving sustainable development in the state.

The groups, in separate statements issued in Ilorin on Saturday, said the increasing agitation for Ajia’s candidacy stemmed from concerns over the socio-economic realities in Kwara and the urgent need for leadership anchored on intellectual capacity, strategic planning and administrative competence.

Professor Ajia, an Associate Professor of Business Administration and Marketing as well as Chair of the Business School at Lincoln University of Missouri, United States, was described as possessing the academic depth and governance experience needed to reposition the state.

Among the groups championing the call are the Kwara Development Initiative, Red Card Movement, Nigerian Progressive Coalition, Agaka Football Academy and Ilorin Gifted Academy.

According to the coalition, the decision to pressure Ajia into the race followed what it termed a “careful assessment” of Kwara’s developmental challenges and the need for a leader capable of translating policy ideas into measurable results.

A spokesperson for the coalition noted that the present realities in the state require “intellectualised governance” driven by accountability, data and long-term planning.

“The decision to approach Professor Ajia was born out of genuine concern for the future of Kwara State. We believe the state needs a leader who understands economic development, infrastructure, education and institutional reforms,” the spokesperson said.

The calls reportedly gained wider momentum through discussions on “Apero Isejoba Forum,” a civic radio programme aired on Gerin 95.5 FM, where listeners repeatedly urged the academic to heed the growing demand to serve the state.

The coalition maintained that endorsements from organised groups and increasing public support reflected a genuine grassroots movement ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

“The consistent calls from ordinary Kwarans, especially through radio engagements, show that this demand is beyond politics. People are asking for competent, transparent and result-oriented leadership,” another member of the coalition stated.

Despite the mounting pressure, Professor Ajia has yet to publicly declare his intention to contest the governorship seat.

However, the coalition vowed to sustain consultations and advocacy efforts until the academic and development expert responds formally to the calls.