Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, says he will prioritise the security of lives and property alongside human capital development if elected. 

Mr Bolarinwa’s pledge comes amidst growing insecurity in the North-Central state, where insurgents have killed and abducted several residents in the past months.

Speaking on Tuesday in Ilorin, the state capital, Mr Bolarinwa said if elected, the safety of lives and property would be the priority of his administration, adding that he would decisively tackle insecurity across Kwara State, while investing heavily in education, healthcare and skills development to unlock the potential of the people.

“We will decisively tackle and comprehensively address insecurity at all levels, ensuring the safety of lives and property across every part of the state,” Mr Bolarinwa said.

The aspirant who had declared his intention to APC stakeholders in the state two weeks ago, formally declared his intention to run for the governorship office on Tuesday before hundreds of APC party members and his supporters, at an official declaration event in Ilorin.

In a statement by his media office on Tuesday, he noted that beyond tackling insecurity, his administration would also invest in education, healthcare and skills acquisition, ensuring that youths and women are empowered as drivers of growth and stability.

Mr Bolarinwa said his decision to run for office was driven by a sense of duty and a desire to serve the people at a higher level.

“Today, I stand before you not just as a politician, but as a son of the soil who understands the struggles and aspirations of our people,” he said.

He described his political journey as one rooted in service, having served as a councillor, local government chairman, member of the National Assembly and later as Kwara State party chairman.

“Our state stands at a critical point where we must deepen development, expand opportunities, and ensure that governance reflects fairness, inclusion and justice,” Bolarinwa said.

He also pledged to build an inclusive Kwara where no part of the state feels marginalised, and where economic opportunities are accessible to all.

“We will strengthen our economy through innovation, agriculture and enterprise development, while delivering people-centred governance driven by transparency and accountability,” he added.

Mr Bolarinwa urged party leaders, stakeholders and residents of the state to support his ambition.

“This is a collective mission, a movement for a better, stronger and more inclusive Kwara. I cannot do it alone,” he said.