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The governorship flag bearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kwara State, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, has called on residents of the state to make what he described as a decisive choice between complacency and progress ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Speaking in a statement titled “Kwara 2027: A Food for Thought and a Point of Decision,” Mohammed outlined his vision for transforming Kwara into a leading commercial, agricultural, and investment destination in Nigeria through strategic leadership, enhanced security, and economic development.

The ADC candidate expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the party across the state’s 16 local government areas for entrusting him with the governorship ticket, describing the confidence reposed in him as both humbling and a significant responsibility.

According to him, the state possesses enormous untapped potential owing to its strategic location as a gateway between Northern and Southern Nigeria.

“Kwara State is uniquely blessed. By geography and history, we are the gateway between Northern and Southern Nigeria. This strategic location places us at the crossroads of commerce, agriculture, transportation, and investment,” he said.

Mohammed noted that with purposeful leadership, Kwara could emerge as a logistics and commercial hub capable of attracting industries, agro-processing facilities, transportation infrastructure, and investments that would generate employment opportunities and wealth for residents.

He, however, identified insecurity as a major obstacle to economic growth, stressing that sustainable development could only thrive in a secure environment.

“No economy can thrive where insecurity persists. Investors do not invest where there is fear. Farmers cannot cultivate their lands where they feel unsafe. Communities cannot prosper when criminal elements threaten lives and property,” he stated.

Drawing on his academic background and experience in Defence and Security Studies, Mohammed said his administration, if elected, would prioritise the establishment of a comprehensive security architecture across the state.

The ADC candidate also promised to deploy technology-driven security measures, enhance coordination among stakeholders, and support lawful community policing initiatives aimed at restoring peace and confidence in communities.

Mohammed lamented the growing threats posed by criminality, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of insecurity, noting that Kwara’s longstanding reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states must be preserved.

“We shall reclaim every space threatened by insecurity and restore confidence among our people,” he declared.

On governance, Mohammed described the ADC as a party founded on the principles of accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, and people-centred leadership.

He said his candidacy represented competence, experience, independence, and a commitment to the welfare of Kwarans, adding that he was entering the race without political encumbrances.

“The election before us is not merely a political contest. It is a defining choice between complacency and progress, between managing challenges and solving them, between unrealised potential and shared prosperity,” he said.

The governorship hopeful further envisioned a state where security drives economic growth, agriculture serves as a catalyst for development, industries create jobs, education empowers young people, and government remains accountable to citizens.

He urged residents across ethnic, religious, and political divides to unite behind competent and visionary leadership capable of addressing the state’s challenges and unlocking its vast potential.

“The time has come to move Kwara from potential to performance, from uncertainty to confidence, from insecurity to peace, and from promises to prosperity,” Mohammed said.

He concluded by urging Kwarans to seize what he described as a defining moment in the state’s history and collectively chart a new course towards sustainable development and shared prosperity ahead of the 2027 election.