AFTER decades of waiting and devoted loyalty to the state, the people of Kwara north Senatorial District, now have a golden opportunity to produce the next governor of Kwara State. The current governor, His Excellency Abdul Rahman Abdul razak, will be serving out his second term in 2027, thus, paving the way for a successor from Kwara North. From Bukola Saraki, who governed the state for eight years, between 1999-2007,(Kwara central), Abdul Fatah Ahmed, from 2007-2015 (Kwara south), to Abdul Rahman Abdul razak 2015-2027, (Kwara Central), it is only fair that the next governor should come from kwara north, in 2027, for balance and equity. It is in this context that the Kwara north senatorial district should be putting forward one of its best and foremost politician, to succeed his Excellency, governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, in 2027. Prominent among such names that are being considered for the job, is Mallam Tajudeen Abdulkadir Audu (Makaman Lafiagi, Kwara State) and a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

Venturing into the murky waters of politics in Nigeria require a lot of guts. Interestingly, for Tajudeen Audu, a man of many sides the coast is clear and can only be such considering his standing as the most prominent politician in Kwara north comprising Moro, Pategi, Edu, Baruten and Kaiama. As a holder of Makama title, Audu is essentially a high-ranking official who provides counsel and support to the Emir. His traditional title has endeared him in the hearts of the people of Kwara north. Hence, many youth groups and associations in Lafiagi currently revolve around him as a major financier of their development activities in his home community and the environs. He had once served as president of the Lafiagi Descendants Development Union, LADDU, during which many community projects were executed

These and several other philanthropic activities have endeared him to his people, who now project him as their preferred choice to vie for the office of the governor to his Excellency, the current Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. Makama's progressive works also extend beyond Lafiagi to Ilorin Central Senatorial District, where he is regarded as a governor in waiting. He has a very large network including: Edu Youth Development Ambassadors, Kwara Central for Kwara North Youth Assembly, Kwara Adequate Ambassadors, Bata Youth Development Association and Kwara North Integrity Group. The aforementioned groups are just a few of the home boy's support base that connects him with the entire state, thus making him the most visible contender for the office of the governor from Kwara North. One of Audu's unique selling points is the fact that He maintains very close and cordial relationship with these groups as progressive and grassroot politician.

His background training as an administrator and manager of public finances, gives him a major advantage for the state to leverage upon to boost revenues and investments for rapid economic growth and development His foray into politics comes at a critical time when the people of Kwara north senatorial district need a credible and competent person to present for the office of the number one public servant of Kwara State from the zone. His people have decided to draft him as their most preferred choice for the office of the governor for reasons that includes being a core professional who is adequately equipped for the job, considering his accomplishments as chartered accountant, as well as his numerous philanthropic services in his community that stands him out amongst other aspirants jostling for the coveted seat from Kwara North.

Given this current high level of acceptance by his people as their preferred choice for the office of the governor of the state in 2027, and his general popularity amongst the Ilorin Central senatorial zone, and the south district, as well, he is now seen as the new Kwara State poster boy and next governor in the making. Makama, as he is popularly known in political circles in Ilorin, has become a house- hold word across all parts of Kwara state. In this vein, there are very strong indications that he will emerge as the consensus candidate from Kwara North Senatorial District as moves are already being made by the stakeholders in the zone to ensure that other aspirants unite behind him to avoid a divided house, before the primary elections next year. Close aides of Governor Abdulrazaq, have also hinted at the governor's support and endorsement for Makama, who currently enjoys very good relationships with him. Tajudeen, a scion of Lafiagi, where the next governor is expected to come from, parades very impressive credentials that make him stand tall above others.

Habeebullah writes in from Ilorin, Kwara State.