Kwara 2027: Son of Ex-UN diplomat, Gambari, enters race, backs Saraki

Mallam Omar Bolaji Gambari, son of Nigeria’s veteran diplomat and former United Nations Under Secretary General, Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Gambari made the declaration while speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Monday, where he […]

Mallam Omar Bolaji Gambari, son of Nigeria’s veteran diplomat and former United Nations Under Secretary General, Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Gambari made the declaration while speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Monday, where he dismissed claims by supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that opposition politics had collapsed in the state.

His declaration adds a new dimension to the emerging political contest ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State.

Political actors across major parties have begun subtle consultations and positioning for the race to succeed the incumbent administration

According to him, the PDP remains vibrant and active in Kwara, stressing that the party is fully prepared to challenge the ruling party in the next electoral cycle.

“In Kwara, against the notion that opposition is dead, PDP is alive, thriving, vibrant and well. I cannot speak intelligently about how the party is doing in other states but I can say here we are on ground from the engagements and activities and we are up to the task and holding this government accountable,” he said.

He added that the outcome of the 2027 election would ultimately determine which political force truly commands support in the state if the contest is conducted under a fair and transparent atmosphere.

“I firmly believe that with a level playing field during the election, we will see which is alive and otherwise,” he said.

The PDP governorship hopeful, who previously contested the House of Representatives seat for the Ilorin East and Ilorin South Federal Constituency in 2018, urged citizens to consistently hold political leaders accountable through active civic engagement.

He said sustained public scrutiny would compel elected officials to remain responsible and focused on delivering democratic dividends.

Gambari further argued that despite criticisms often directed at the country’s democratic system, democratic practice in Nigeria has continued to deepen with increased youth participation, reduced electoral violence and wider access to information about the political process.

Responding to questions about his decision despite his father’s long career outside electoral politics, Gambari said public service could be pursued through different paths.

He explained that while his father chose to serve humanity through diplomacy and global public service, his own path is through active political participation.

“My father was an academician and though he is not involved in partisan politics, there is a common thread running through this which is service to the people and humanity. He chose to serve through his long and distinguished public career without being a politician, but that is not my path,” he said.

He noted that he had briefly worked as a lawyer within the United Nations system before deciding to return home to pursue public service through politics.

Gambari said he was proud of his father’s accomplishments and would not hesitate to draw inspiration from them while pursuing his political ambition.

“While it is very helpful to have a father like that for all he has done for the country and the world stage, if there are people who will support me on that basis alone they are welcome. At the same time, there are others who will not, and that is also part of politics. I will use every legitimate tool at my disposal to attain this office and if that is among them, I will leverage it,” he said.

He also commended former Kwara State governor and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, for development projects executed during his tenure, noting that while critics often focus on negative narratives, the record of projects delivered under Saraki’s administration remains visible across the state.

“Critics may say negative things about Saraki, but the records stand him out. Saraki has no baggage, only advantage,” Gambari said.

Unveiling his policy framework which he described as the “OBG Commitment,” the aspirant said his vision is anchored on four key pillars: People, Protection, Prosperity and Politics.

According to him, the agenda focuses on improving the welfare of citizens through investments in education, healthcare and social wellbeing, while also addressing security challenges and environmental concerns including climate change.

“Our agenda is around people’s welfare, quality education, health and people’s wellbeing as well as security, climate change and poverty eradication,” he said.

Gambari said his administration, if elected, would adopt both kinetic and non kinetic strategies to address security concerns in parts of the state.

On economic development, he said the government would pursue prosperity through industrial scale agribusiness by developing irrigated farmlands that would enable all season farming and attract investors into agro based industries.

“We will acquire land, develop industrial irrigation for all seasons farming, plant and harvest, while the government will provide the enabling environment for offtaking. That is how prosperity can be created,” he explained.

He also proposed the establishment of development commissions for Kwara North and Kwara South as part of efforts to address perceived imbalance in infrastructure and economic opportunities across the state.

According to him, the commissions would be managed by indigenes of the respective zones to ensure that development priorities reflect local realities.