A Peoples Democratic Party chieftain in Kwara State, Omar Bolaji Gambari, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election, promising inclusive and purposeful leadership if elected.
Gambari made the announcement on Monday, March 9, during a press briefing in Ilorin, the state capital, where he also unveiled his governance blueprint and outlined his vision for Kwara.
Speaking on his ambition, Gambari said it is driven by a desire to serve the people and address key developmental challenges in the state.
“My ambition is deeply rooted in service, and I understand that service is truly a noble calling,” he said.
He unveiled his campaign philosophy, tagged the “OMARi Agenda,” built on five pillars: people, protection, prosperity, politics, and partnership.
The agenda, he explained, is designed to ensure inclusive governance, transparency, and responsiveness to citizens’ needs.
“The first pillar is the people. Our agenda is people-centred. Citizens must have fair and equal access to healthcare, education, housing, and employment opportunities,” he said.
On security, Gambari stressed the importance of addressing root causes of crime, including poverty and social exclusion, to ensure safety across the state.
“We all deserve to live in a peaceful and secure environment. Our people must feel safe in their homes and confident in the institutions meant to protect them,” he said.
READ ALSO: ADC Condemns Kwara Killings, Faults FG On Security Failure
He also highlighted economic growth and shared prosperity as a priority. “If all of us are moving forward together, many of the social problems we see today will reduce significantly,” Gambari said.
Gambari pledged to promote transparency, respect for the rule of law, and broad citizen participation in policy-making.
He added that partnerships with businesses, civil society organisations, and young people would be central to his administration.
Addressing regional development, he proposed the creation of Kwara North and Kwara South Development Commissions, headed by indigenes of the respective regions, to ensure equitable development across the state.
Agriculture and job creation were also key areas of focus. “We must use our comparative advantage in agriculture and go back to the farm. But security must come first because farmers need safe environments to work,” he said.
He further emphasised youth empowerment as a strategy to reduce poverty and insecurity.
Gambari, a businessman, lawyer, farmer, and former military personnel, also promised investments in education through improved schools, teacher training, and student empowerment programmes.
The declaration comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gradually take shape across Kwara State.
Gambari previously contested for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2018 under the PDP and has lived and worked between Nigeria and the United States for over two decades.