The Senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District, Sadiq Suleiman Umar, has reaffirmed confidence in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the party remains strong and unshaken by opposition parties’ activities.
Speaking on Ijoba Mekunu, a political programme aired on Emirate Radio on Monday, Senator Umar said the APC is well-structured and welcomes the presence of multiple parties, which he described as vital to a healthy democracy.
“We don’t pray for the PDP to collapse,” he said, referring to the main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party. “They should survive and continue to serve as a watchdog. That’s the essence of democracy. But no political party can uproot the current APC-led government. We have formidable leaders with His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the helms of affairs and President of Nigeria, also Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON as the Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor Hope Uzodinma as the Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum.
The senator also commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s administration for what he described as “remarkable achievements” in the last six years, particularly in areas such as road infrastructure, healthcare, water supply, innovation hubs, garment production, and youth employment.
Responding to concerns that development efforts have been concentrated in the state capital, Ilorin, at the expense of other regions, Senator Umar defended the governor’s strategy.
“Ilorin is the capital and symbolic to all Kwarans, both at home and abroad. Key projects there are justified,” he said. “However, in Kwara North, we are not left out.”
He cited several major road projects being undertaken in the region, including the 217km Bode-Sadu–Kiama–Baruten route, the 83km Lafiagi–Songa road, and the 37km Okuta–Gwanara–Bokuru corridor. He emphasized that the total road projects facilitated in the area exceed 300km, a figure he says rivals the investments in urban roads in Kwara Central.
The Senator also highlighted additional infrastructure, including hospitals, waterworks, and a shea butter processing industry, as signs of balanced development in the region.
On the issue of citizen empowerment, particularly in Kwara North, Senator Umar praised Governor Abdulrazaq’s focus on agricultural support. He noted the distribution of fertilisers, tractors, and other inputs, calling them “legacy initiatives” that will outlive the administration.
“Kwara North has seen real progress,” he concluded. “We are proud of what is being done, and the difference is clear.”
