The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in North Central Nigeria has received two prominent political aspirants who formally declared their intent to contest the 2027 gubernatorial election before the State Working Committee at the PDP Secretariat in Ilorin.

The aspirants, Alhaji Oladimeji Hassan and Professor Muritala Awodun, are seasoned politicians with significant governance experience. Alhaji Hassan, a former Chief of Staff to the Kwara State Government and ex-Commissioner for Health, highlighted poverty's detrimental impact on youth development and empowerment in the state as a key motivator for his candidacy. Professor Awodun, the pioneer Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS), also expressed his aspirations during the meeting.

Addressing the committee, Alhaji Hassan commended the party leadership under Dr. Bukola Saraki for maintaining structural cohesion and unity within the PDP. His declaration underscores growing competition within the party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

According to him, "he is set to bring a vision and the right policies, especially in the area of agriculture, which will serve as a catalyst for social development, job creation, and youth engagement."

On his part, Professor Muritala Awodun declared his aspiration to contest for the Kwara South Senatorial seat in 2027.

He shared his progressive vision for the district, anchored on economic transformation and strategic community engagement.

Reflecting on his pioneering role at KWIRS, Awodun noted that his ability to consult widely and implement impactful policies will be harnessed in repositioning Kwara South as a reference point in senatorial representation and development.

Both aspirants acknowledged the tireless efforts and sacrifices of party leaders and faithful since the PDP assumed opposition status in 2019.

They also solicited the support of the party's leadership and promised to uphold internal unity and discipline throughout their journeys.

Responding, the State Chairman of the party and former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Babatunde Mohammed, commended the aspirants for showing due respect and recognition to the party structure by formally informing the leadership of their political intentions.

He emphasized that the PDP in Kwara is now stronger and better positioned to reclaim power in 2027.

Mohammed urged the aspirants to caution their supporters against inflammatory statements or personal attacks on fellow aspirants, stressing that the PDP remains a democratic platform with enough space under its umbrella for all progressive minds.

He reiterated the commitment of the party, under the leadership of Senator Bukola Saraki, to conduct free, fair, and credible primaries for all aspirants across board.

In her remarks, the State Women Leader, Hajia Segilola Abdulkadri, encouraged the aspirants to design policy frameworks that ensure increased inclusion and participation of women in governance when elected.

Other speakers at the event included the party's Senatorial Chairmen from the three districts of Kwara North, Central, and South; the State Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Youth Leader, and other key stakeholders, all of whom pledged their readiness to support aspirants who abide by party discipline and respect internal processes.

Meanwhile, the party also received members of various pro-PDP community support groups who came to express solidarity with the party and reaffirm their loyalty to the leadership of Senator Bukola Saraki.

Among the groups received were the ABS Community Outreach, led by Comrade Omi, and the ABS Kwara Women and Youth Ambassadors, led by Comrade Ismaila Akanbi Okoh and Hajia Bello Rukayat, who led the women caucus.

The groups pledged their commitment to grassroots Mobilisation and promotion of PDP's values ahead of the next general elections.