APC’s Yakubu Danladi‑Salihu Highlights Seven Years in Kwara Assembly as Basis for Governorship Bid

APC Candidate Yakubu Danladi‑Salihu Addresses Ilorin Crowd

On Friday, 7 November 2026, Engr. The All Progressives Congress (APC) nominee for the Kwara State governorship, Yakubu Danladi‑Salihu, addressed attendees at the News Keg, a political forum hosted by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Kwara State. The event took place in Ilorin, the state capital.

Danladi‑Salihu told the audience that his seven years in the state House of Assembly, during which he served as Speaker, have prepared him for the responsibilities of the governorship. He emphasised that his legislative experience, especially his involvement in the state’s budget and appropriation processes, gave him a practical understanding of Kwara’s development priorities and resource allocation.

Legislative Experience and Budget Participation

The candidate argued that the major infrastructure projects carried out by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq were a result of the legislature’s role in the appropriation process. According to him, the appropriation process serves as a fundamental component of governance, and he affirmed that every significant initiative under Governor AbdulRazaq originated from this procedure.

Danladi‑Salihu asserted that his tenure in the Assembly provided him with insight into the state’s fiscal and developmental requirements, as well as the operational mechanisms of government in various sectors. He further noted that his experience as a legislator allowed him to travel throughout Kwara, granting him direct understanding of the difficulties encountered by communities across the region.

Grassroots Development Initiatives

In his address, the candidate drew attention to specific measures implemented within his Ilesha/Gwanara constituency, located in the Baruten Local Government Area. He referenced the construction of over 210 boreholes and the advancement of road infrastructure, both of which received assistance from the state administration. Additionally, he revealed that his office collaborated with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to train 300 vigilantes, pointing to the area’s closeness to the international boundary as a primary security issue.

Running Mate and Private‑Sector Partnership

Danladi‑Salihu was joined at the event by his vice‑governor candidate, Hon. Seun Oguniyi Adato. The vice‑governor candidate emphasized his experience in the private sector and characterized his collaboration with Danladi‑Salihu as one founded on effective synergy.

Background

The APC’s selection of Danladi‑Salihu as its gubernatorial candidate follows the party’s internal processes for choosing candidates for the 2027 election cycle. Danladi‑Salihu’s seven‑year tenure in the state House of Assembly, including a period as Speaker, is a significant factor in his candidacy. His legislative work has involved participation in budget discussions, appropriation processes and oversight of state projects.

Why it Matters

The candidate’s emphasis on legislative experience and budget participation signals a focus on governance structures and resource allocation. His grassroots initiatives, such as borehole installation and road development, demonstrate a track record of addressing local infrastructure needs. The partnership with the NSCDC on vigilante training reflects a concern for security in border communities. These points are likely to influence voters who prioritize development, fiscal management and security.

What Happens Next

The article does not provide specific next steps beyond the candidate’s speech. No further dates or pending decisions are mentioned in the source material.