Dr Tajudeen Alabi is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a governorship aspirant of the party in Kwara State. In this interview with JOHNCHUKS ONUANYIM, he speaks on the outcome of the party’s National Convention and his governorship bid
How would you assess the recent national convention of your party?
We thank God for a successful national convention. I was privileged to be part of it, and it recorded a very impressive turnout. The attendance was massive, the preparation was excellent, and everything went according to plan. Indeed, it was a well-organised and successful event.
Some critics have faulted the consensus approach that led to the return of many former members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). What is your response to that?
Is it not better to avoid rancour, disunity, and breakdown of order within the party by embracing consensus, especially when the APC constitution allows that? We have not violated any rule. I believe the consensus approach will strengthen unity, deepen cohesion, and positions the party for electoral success. We are retaining a winning team because bringing in an entirely new leadership at this stage will require time to stabilize, but the current team can hit the ground running.
What advantage does this consensus arrangement give the APC ahead of the 2027 elections?
The advantage is clear, continuity and cohesion. We have a team that have worked together over the past four years, understands the party structure, and is familiar with Nigeria’s political terrain. From the ward to national level, the process has been structured and is inclusive. This unity of purpose will be instrumental in delivering victory in 2027.
As a governorship aspirant in Kwara State, what achievements of President Bola Tinubu will you campaign with if you emerge as the candidate of the party?
I commend President Tinubu for his leadership over the past three years. When he assumed office in 2023, Nigeria was on the brink – fiscal instability, unsustainable subsidies and heavy borrowing. He made tough but necessary decisions to stabilize the economy.
For us at the state level, the focus must now shift to utilizing increased revenues effectively. In Kwara, my priorities will include poverty reduction, access to quality education, and improved healthcare. We must ensure that no child is out of school and that elderly citizens have access to affordable medicare.
Some Nigerians argue that despite increased revenue, living conditions have worsened. How do you respond to that?
Infrastructure alone is not enough. The real solution lies in empowering people. If citizens are not economically empowered, infrastructure will have limited impact. Agriculture presents a viable pathway out of poverty.
My plan is to secure the state, channel youth energy into agriculture, and transform farming into a wealth-generating sector. We must move from consumption to production. By leveraging assets like the Ilorin International Airport as a cargo hub, we can export agricultural produce and create sustainable prosperity.
The APC has governed Kwara State for nearly eight years; are you suggesting that the impact has been insufficient?
Not at all! Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has done a commendable job. There has been significant progress in infrastructure, urban renewal, education and healthcare across all the three senatorial districts of the state. However, governance is a continuum. My goal is to build on these achievements by focusing more on human capital development—empowering people, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods.
With over 20 aspirants in the race for the governorship ticket of the APC in Kwara State; what sets you apart?
Leadership requires preparation. I bring over 40 years of private sector experience, particularly in hospitality and business management. I have built and sustained enterprises for over 25 years without reliance on government patronage. My record speaks to integrity, competence, and capacity.
Are you concerned about opposition from parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kwara State?
APC remains strong and dominant in Kwara State. While other parties exist, we are confident in our structure, performance, and support base. So, I believe APC will retain power in 2027.
What is your relationship with the Governor AbdulRazaq and President Tinubu?
I maintain a cordial and respectful relationship with both. I see the President as a father figure and the governor as an elder brother. Ultimately, leadership is determined by God, and I trust in His guidance.
What is your message to fellow aspirants?
I urge them to join hands with me in building a greater Kwara State. Unity is key. Together, we can achieve a shared vision of prosperity for our people.
