The former Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Dr. Muheebat Dankaka, at the weekend declared her intention to contest the 2027 Senate election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), throwing her weight behind President Bola Tinubu's second term.

Dankaka, who announced her intention in Offa, attributed her renewed ambition to persistent calls from constituents urging her to represent them at the National Assembly.

"My people have asked me to step forward once again to represent them in the Senate. I have contested twice before, in 2015 and 2019, but this is the time for a woman to take up the responsibility. It is time to give women the opportunity to lead," she said.

She recounted challenges faced in previous elections, particularly issues linked to her marital name, despite being an indigene of Kwara State.

"In the last election, my name was removed due to 'Dankaka,' which is my husband's name from Kano. Although I am from Kwara, that situation affected my participation. Now, my people have called me back, and I am ready to answer that call," she explained.

On her qualifications, Dankaka said her professional and administrative experience positions her to deliver effective representation.

She boasted: "I have served as treasurer of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce for six years, worked in the banking sector, and later as Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, overseeing all 36 states and the FCT. I discharged my duties diligently and with proven results."

She assured constituents of inclusive leadership and a strong commitment to grassroots development if elected.

"I will prioritise the welfare of my people and ensure that no one is left behind. My mission is to serve effectively and improve the lives of everyone in Kwara South," she vowed.

The aspirant also endorsed President Tinubu's re-election bid and commended Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his performance.

She said: "I support the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term, and I commend Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his developmental strides in Kwara State. I also appreciate the leadership of the APC in the state."

She called on party members and voters across Ekiti, Isin, and Oke-Ero local governments to support her aspiration.

Dankaka further advocated increased female participation in governance, describing it as key to achieving broader development outcomes, saying: "We acknowledge that men have done their part, but this is an opportunity to allow a woman to lead and bring fresh, impactful results."

Reacting, the Chairman of Offa Local Government, Hon. Suleiman Olatunji, praised Dankaka's track record and described her as a candidate with proven capacity.

"Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been a blessing to Kwara, and this aspirant has also made significant impact. She has touched many lives, and her efforts will yield greater results in the future," he disclosed.

He urged party members to rally support for her during the primaries, expressing confidence in her ability to deliver: "Her character and antecedents have earned her widespread trust. I encourage everyone to support her at the primaries and beyond, as she represents a credible choice for the Senate," he urged.