I’m seeking election to serve, not to make money — PDP Chieftain, Ladi Hassan Says as He Declares Ambition for Kwara Governorship 

By Omowumi Omotosho

Photos by Oladimeji Ajibade

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Honourable Oladimeji Hassan, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state, stating emphatically that he is not in politics to make money but to serve the people and uplift the poor.

Speaking with newsmen at a special prayer session organised by his supporters at Ori Okoh Compound, Fagba, Ilorin on Saturday, Hassan said he believes in the power of divine intervention and has decided to begin his campaign by seeking the blessings of God and the support of the grassroots.

“This is my very first outing as a gubernatorial aspirant, and I decided to start it here, where I was born, where I was delivered into this world. I have not done anything else politically. This is my beginning, and I want to begin by seeking the blessings of Almighty Allah, my ancestors, my people, and everyone who has been on this journey with me,” Hassan said.

The PDP stalwart dismissed the notion that money or godfatherism determines political success, insisting that true leadership comes from the people and the trust they place in a candidate.

“It’s not about money. It’s not about someone endorsing you. Even godfathers look to God. It’s not about how much you have or the size of your pocket. What matters is your relationship with the people, how they perceive you, and what they see in you,” he said.

cross section of invited guests 

 Hassan further clarified his position on money in politics, saying: “There’s no money I’m looking for in politics. What I’m looking for is how to give back to society. I want to uplift the poor. I want to take people out of poverty. That’s my mission.”

He further explained that his campaign is grounded in grassroots mobilization rather than elite support: “If you look around, you may not see many big men here, former this, former that. But that’s not what I’m about. I’m a grassroots person. I have carpenters, laborers, imams, clerics, and artisans as friends. Those are my people. That is my constituency.”

He expressed concern about the rising poverty in the state, calling for a shift away from the kind of governance that has kept many Kwarans in hardship.

“I don’t want to go into government to enrich myself. I don’t need government money. I want to deliver. I want to make a difference in people’s lives,” he further declared.

Ladi Hassan advised the electorate to scrutinize all aspirants thoroughly as the election approaches, urging Kwarans not to be swayed by the distribution of money or material gifts.

“Kwarans should expect that that when we start moving around, they should look at us critically. They should look at each of us critically.

“Who are the 419 among us? Who are the liars among us? Who are the traitors among us? Who are those who don’t have credibility? They should look at credibility. What are you bringing to the table? They should look at the various positions we have had in the past. How did you use it? When we were there, did we leave any mark? Did you help the people? Did you look at the plight of the people? They should check us.

“Look at us inside out. We should not enter another lockdown. We should not enter another one chance. Because we have been in too many one chances. We shouldn’t go into another one chance. They should examine us critically.

“They shouldn’t look at people throwing around little things and start deceiving people. That’s not what you should look at. They should assess us critically.

“What does this man have to offer? What does this woman have to offer? He was in government. What did he do? Those who have not even been in government should ask them. Even if they have money, where did you get this money? Are you coming to Government House to steal more money? They should look at all these things.

“They should look at our credibility. They should look at the people who are throwing themselves around. They should shine our eyes. So that you don’t fall into a ditch. And I pray to God that we are not going to fall into a ditch,” he concluded.

The prayer session had in attendance several dignitaries including the retired Grand Kadi of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Soliu Oloruntoyin Muhammad, and the Daudu of Fagba, Alhaji Alabi Ola Suleiman, who was the Royal Father of the Day.

The spiritual exercise was led by the Imam Imonle of Ilorin, Sheikh Abdulhamed Abdullahi, who was accompanied by the Ajanasi Agba of Ilorin, Sheikh Mijitaba Bature.

In his prayer, Sheikh Abdulhamed urged Honourable Hassan to remain committed to prayer and put his total trust in God. Sheikh Suleiman Dan Bornu, in a short sermon, encouraged all attendees to submit their hopes and worries to Almighty Allah, noting that “He alone knows what is best for every human.”