Young entrepreneurs and Small and Medium Enterprises leaders in Kwara State, under the aegis of Corporate Kwara, have pledged N100 million to fund the All Progressives Congress governorship nomination form for Senator Saliu Mustapha ahead of the 2027 elections.

Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central Senatorial District and chairs the Senate Committee on Agricultural Production Services and Rural Development, is regarded as a frontrunner for the state's top job.

The group made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Senator's office in Ilorin, the state capital, on Sunday.

Speaking for the delegation, Coordinator of the forum and CEO of BettaJoll of Nigeria Limited, Mallam Abdulmajeed Idilobe, said the gesture stemmed from Mustapha's track record in supporting businesses.

"We are impressed by the unprecedented commitment of Senator Mustapha to the growth and development of young entrepreneurs in Kwara State. Even before becoming a senator, he consistently supported the business community through the Kwara State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mining and Agriculture," he noted.

According to Idilobe, the Senator had maintained regular support for SMEs and business incubators through both financial and moral backing.

"Among all those contesting for the governorship, he stands out with a proven track record of support for the business community. We are therefore ready to pool resources to support his ambition," he added.

Idilobe, who described the N100 million pledge as a voluntary show of goodwill with no strings attached, was accompanied by the Managing Partner of Autodrill Construction Nigeria Limited, Dr Shuiabu Abdullahi, and Hajia Zurura Zubair of the Kwara State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mining and Agriculture.

In response, Executive Assistant to the Senator, Alabi Abdulkareem, expressed gratitude, saying the pledge would spur Mustapha to do more for businesses.

Abdulkareem described Mustapha as a "seasoned entrepreneur whose background in business continues to shape his pro-enterprise approach to leadership."

He assured the group of the lawmaker's continued backing for entrepreneurs, whether in or out of public office.

Abdulkareem also urged the business community to rally behind President Bola Tinubu, adding that the current administration's policies have created a more favourable business climate nationwide.