The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Alhaji Ladi Hassan, has denied allegations that he is working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the claims as misleading.
Hassan, a close ally of former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, emerged as the PDP governorship candidate under the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the party.
Addressing a press conference in Ilorin on Saturday, the state capital, Hassan said his participation in the political process should not be misunderstood.
“My participation in the current political process should not be interpreted as rebellion or hostility towards anyone. Rather, it reflects my commitment to ensuring that democratic values remain central to the future of our party,” he said.
He said he was fully prepared for the responsibilities of governorship, noting that his experience across the private and public sectors over more than four decades had equipped him for leadership.
Hassan, a former Commissioner for Health and former Chairman of the State Primary Education Board, also promised to prioritise poverty eradication, job creation, and inclusive governance.
“We will fight to eradicate poverty, create productive employment, and foster economic transformation that improves lives and promotes shared prosperity.
“The true measure of leadership is not the number of speeches delivered or projects inaugurated, but the number of lives improved and citizens lifted out of poverty,” he said.
He said the central goal of his administration would be the aggressive reduction of poverty and the creation of a more prosperous Kwara State.
“Our vision is to build a Kwara State where prosperity is not limited to a few people or communities, but shared across all segments of society,” he said.
Hassan added that if elected, his administration would introduce immediate welfare programmes to support vulnerable groups such as widows, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income families.
He also mentioned transport support initiatives, including electric buses, as part of relief measures.
He said while welfare support would provide immediate relief, long-term solutions must focus on productivity, empowerment, and economic growth.
“The long-term solution to poverty is productivity, economic empowerment, and creating opportunities for citizens to earn sustainable incomes,” he said.
He explained that his second-phase plan would focus on agriculture, infrastructure, enterprise development, industrial growth, technology, and wealth creation.
