2027: Senatorial aspirant, Awodun vows to Focus on Security, development, if elected

By Matthew Denis 

A senatorial aspirant for Kwara South, Muritala Awodun, has formally declared his intention to contest for the Senate, citing insecurity, poor infrastructure, and underdevelopment as key challenges facing the district.

Awodun, a former banker and academic, said his decision to enter politics was driven by concern over the declining standard of living in Kwara South and what he described as inadequate representation.

“I felt that instead of complaining, it is better to step into the arena and show how things can be done,” he said.

He began his career in the banking sector at Guaranty Trust Bank before moving into academia, where he spent about 10 years at Lagos State University and another decade at Kwara State University.

At KWASU, he served as Director of Entrepreneurship and later as Director General of the School of Business and Governance.

Awodun said he played a key role in establishing an entrepreneurship programme at KWASU, which made it mandatory for all students to undergo entrepreneurial training before graduation.

He later served as Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service from 2015 to 2019, where he said he increased the state’s internally generated revenue from about ₦7 billion to ₦30 billion.

According to him, restoring public trust was central to the reforms he implemented in the agency. 

He said his team engaged traditional rulers across the 16 local government areas and introduced an infrastructure fund backed by legislation to ensure accountability.

Awodun identified insecurity as the most pressing issue in Kwara South, noting that the situation has worsened in recent years. 

He also pointed to gaps in infrastructure and the underutilisation of agricultural land as areas requiring urgent attention.

“For any serious representative of Kwara South, insecurity should be the top priority,” he said.

He also criticised the use of constituency allocations, arguing that such funds are not being effectively utilised to improve the welfare of constituents.

Awodun said his campaign would focus on “purposeful leadership” and policies aimed at improving livelihoods, supporting entrepreneurship, and attracting development projects to the district.

On national tax reforms, he expressed support for policies that provide relief for low-income earners and encourage business growth, noting that such measures would benefit the majority of Nigerians in the long run.

He also pledged to maintain transparency and accountability if elected, stating that his record in public service demonstrates his commitment to delivering on promises.

Awodun criticised the current representation of Kwara South in the Senate, alleging that the district has not received adequate attention.

“Representation goes beyond being in Abuja. It is about being present and addressing the needs of the people,” he said.

The aspirant, who is coming on the platform of PDP, said he would engage voters across the district ahead of the elections, expressing confidence in his chances at the polls.