Danladi’s Candidacy: Securing AbdulRazaq’s Legacy, Not a Dynasty By Abdulmumin Yunusa Ndagara

When Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) addressed stakeholders at the Banquet Hall on December 23, 2025, he drew a definitive line in the sand regarding the future of Kwara State. “I am not interested in building a dynasty,” the Governor declared to a resounding ovation, “I am interested in building a legacy.”

As cabinet members reeled out the administration’s monumental achievements since 2019—spanning infrastructure, healthcare, education, social investment, and civil service welfare—many stakeholders, including several gubernatorial aspirants, expressed sheer amazement at the scale of progress. However, for one man, these achievements were not news.
Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, stood out as the ultimate insider. As the head of the legislative arm since 2019, Danladi-Salihu hasn’t just witnessed the AbdulRazaq revolution; he co-authored it.

The Architect of Continuity, Not a Dynasty
The distinction between a political dynasty and a governance legacy is critical. A dynasty relies on patronage and favoritism; a legacy is built on strong institutions, shared vision, and sustained progress. Danladi-Salihu’s candidacy is firmly rooted in the latter.

While other qualified aspirants may promise to study the Governor’s blueprint, Danladi-Salihu is already a part of its execution. As Speaker of both the 9th and 10th Assemblies, he has presided over the passage of progressive bills, rigorous oversight functions, and the allocation of state resources. He represents a seamless transition—the embodiment of institutional memory and consolidation.

Speaking recently at the anniversary session of the Tenth Legislature, Danladi-Salihu highlighted a robust legislative track record that directly anchors the Executive’s vision. Under his leadership, the tenth legislature has passed 23 Bills and considered 88 motions, including the landmark Kwara State Power Sector Bill.

“Our legislative interventions have touched critical sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, social welfare, and economic growth,” the Speaker stated.

Through a collaborative yet independent relationship with the Executive, the Assembly under Danladi-Salihu has proven that the O-to-ge movement was never just a political slogan, but a governance philosophy rooted in giving Kwarans the very best.

Beyond infrastructure and economic policy, Danladi-Salihu brings a sharp, localized focus to Kwara’s security architecture. He possesses the political will and grassroots intelligence required to tackle contemporary security challenges head-on.

Under his leadership, the Assembly has consistently tightened laws to punish bandits, cultists, and drug traffickers. His commitment is both legislative and logistical; one of his earliest constituency projects was the total renovation of the NSCDC office in his hometown of Gwanara, alongside continuous operational support to security agencies.

Addressing recent security breaches, the Speaker extended heartfelt condolences to affected communities in Edu, Patigi, Kaiama, Baruten, Ekiti, Isin, and Ifelodun LGAs, assuring citizens that the legislative and executive arms are actively rolling out fortified measures to restore absolute peace.

The emergence of Danladi-Salihu as the APC flagbearer is also a triumph for equity. By conceding the ticket to the Kwara North Senatorial District, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and Governor AbdulRazaq have demonstrated a profound commitment to justice and inclusivity.

As Hon. Sa’adu Salaudeen, Special Adviser and Senior Counselor to the Governor, aptly summarized:
”Everybody who contested for the Governorship is qualified, but no one is best qualified, and no one is more qualified than Danladi.”

I implore all other gubernatorial aspirants and their supporters to rally round the candidacy of Danladi-Salihu as we work together to consolidate the legacy of Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq. Kwara State can not afford to move backward or to experiment with untested hands would risk the gains of the last seven years.

Yakubu Danladi-Salihu does not represent the birth of a new dynasty; he represents the fortification of a legacy. He knows where the administration started, he understands the milestones achieved, and he possesses the precise roadmap required to expand the gains of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration. For Kwara, Danladi is the definition of purposeful consolidation.