Hajia Yetunde Bello-Adebowale Becomes Second Female Contender for 2027 Kwara Governorship Race

Retired civil servant Hajia Yetunde Bello-Adebowale declares her 2027 Kwara governorship bid on the APC platform, focusing on women and youth empowerment.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 28, 2026, 10:45 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from LEADERSHIP News

Succession Strategy and Consolidation of Current Policies

Hajia Musliat Yetunde Bello-Adebowale has officially entered the 2027 gubernatorial race, positioning herself as a successor capable of sustaining the developmental trajectory of the incumbent, Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq. Speaking to journalists in Ilorin on April 27, 2026, the retired civil servant emphasized that her candidacy is rooted in the desire to preserve the foundation laid by the current administration. Her platform is built on the principle of continuity, specifically aiming to protect and expand recent gains in infrastructure, education, and healthcare across the state's 16 local government areas.

Expanding Women’s Political Participation in Kwara

The declaration marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape, as Bello-Adebowale is the second woman to join the race within a single week, following Hon. Aisha Ahman-Pategi. The gubernatorial hopeful noted that her decision was inspired by the APC’s implementation of the 35 percent affirmative action policy. She praised the current administration for its visible commitment to gender inclusion through strategic appointments and stated that her victory would further solidify Kwara’s status as a leader in female political empowerment in Nigeria.

Economic Vision: Competing with National Hubs

Bello-Adebowale outlined an ambitious economic agenda, asserting that Kwara State possesses the natural and human resources necessary to compete with major economic centers like Lagos, Rivers, and Kano. Her roadmap includes diversifying the state’s energy portfolio through investments in alternative power sources and improving water supply systems to drive industrial growth. By focusing on these utility sectors, she intends to create an environment where local businesses can thrive without the traditional constraints of infrastructure deficits.