Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A member of the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Legislative Budget and Research, Rt. Hon. Muhammed Bio, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), unveiling a five-point development agenda anchored on security, energy, agriculture, education, and economic transformation.

The epoch-making event, held at the Royal Rock Hotel and Event Centre, Gaa Odota Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, was witnessed by party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters in their numbers.

In his declaration speech, Bio said his decision followed “wide and deep consultations with critical stakeholders, traditional institutions, progressive minds, and ordinary citizens across Kwara.”

“I come before you to humbly and officially declare my intention to contest for the exalted office of Governor of Kwara State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In Sha Allah, I seek your mandate to lead our State into a new era of security, prosperity, and shared greatness,” he said.

The lawmaker, who represents Baruten/Kaiama Federal Constituency, described himself as “a son of the soil, a servant of the people, and a proud product of this blessed State,” emphasising that his political journey has been driven by service and impact.

“Leadership is not about position or power, but about touching lives, solving problems, and building a future where every Kwaran can stand tall with dignity and hope,” he said.

Bio highlighted his experience as former Executive Chairman of Baruten Local Government Area from 2013 to 2016, noting that his administration prioritised “basic education, primary healthcare, rural roads, and youth empowerment,” while strengthening revenue generation without burdening the people.

“At the National Assembly, I have remained a consistent voice for accountability and good governance,” he added, pointing to his role as Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Budget and Research and his contributions to key committees.

He stressed that his record in office “speaks through actions, not mere words,” citing projects such as boreholes under a Water-For-All initiative, construction of classrooms and laboratories, rural road development, and youth empowerment programmes, among others.

“We have sunk dozens of borehole constructed modern classrooms, built the critical River Iguwa Bridge and distributed palliatives and relief materials during difficult times,” he said.

According to him, these efforts have earned recognition from civil society groups, though he maintained that “the greatest reward remains the smiles on the faces of constituents whose lives have been touched.”

Presenting what he described as a “solemn Covenant of Renewal,” Bio outlined a five-pillar agenda to transform the State.

On security, he pledged to make Kwara “a true sanctuary of peace and safety,” noting that “no administration can thrive in an atmosphere of fear.”

“Our first and non-negotiable priority will be to make Kwara a true sanctuary of peace and safety,” he said. “Farmers must return to their fields without trepidation. Traders must ply their routes in confidence. Our children must walk to school and play without anxiety.”

He added that his security strategy would combine collaboration with federal agencies and community-based intelligence systems, extending beyond physical safety to “economic security—protecting livelihoods—and social stability.”

On energy, the APC chieftain promised a power revolution to end unreliable electricity supply in the state.

“Darkness has stolen too many dreams for far too long,” he said. “Reliable electricity will no longer be a luxury but a daily reality.”

He outlined plans to invest in infrastructure, pursue partnerships, and deploy off-grid solutions for rural communities, assuring that “load-shedding will become a distant memory.”

Turning to agriculture, Bio described it as the “true oil” of Kwara, pledging to transform the sector into a driver of wealth and food security.

“We will turn agriculture into the true ‘oil’ of our state—the engine of wealth creation and food security,. Farmers will become entrepreneurs. Rural communities will transform into centres of prosperity,” he declared.

He promised mechanisation, improved inputs, storage facilities, and market access, adding that “Kwara will not only feed itself and Nigeria but also export to the world.”

On education, he emphasized “learning for empowerment,” promising significant investments across all levels.

“Education must equip our young people with the power to create, innovate, compete, and lead. We will pursue free and qualitative education as the great equalizer, ensuring no child is left behind because of poverty,” he said.

He also pledged to revive the Teachers College and establish technical and vocational institutions across the state’s three senatorial districts.

Bio, however, reaffirming his commitment to results-driven leadership, declaring: “I have never been a leader who only promises change. I am a leader who has consistently delivered it.”

He urged party members and the electorate to support his ambition, expressing confidence that his vision would usher in “a shining beacon of safety, prosperity, and progress” for Kwara State.