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Visionless Leadership: The Uninspiring Story Of Abdulrazaq's Governance In Kwara


By Sulaiman Onimago 

In governance, legacies are not built on rhetoric but on tangible impacts that can stand the test of time. Unfortunately, the trajectory of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq's administration in Kwara State paints a picture of missed opportunities, misplaced priorities, and a glaring lack of vision. Unlike his predecessors who implemented enduring projects and laid foundations for development, Abdulrazaq seems to lack foresight as he is more invested in irrelevant projects that add little or no value to the development of the state. 

Take, for instance, the recent federal government decision to adopt the International Aviation College, Ilorin, as one of its aviation training institutes nationwide. This move underscores the foresight behind the establishment of the College by the previous administration under Governor Bukola Saraki. The administration also established the Kwara State University (KWASU) in Malete with plans to cite satellite campuses in other parts of the state. Today, the present government can talk about KWASU Teaching Hospital because there is a legacy on ground. On the contrary, what visionary projects has Governor Abdulrazaq delivered to Kwarans in the last six years? 

The present government was quick to celebrate completion of the KWASU Osi Campus, but failed to acknowledge the contributions of the immediate past administration to the project. Kwarans know well that the groundwork for this initiative was laid by past administrations. The structure and template were already in place long before Abdulrahman took office. To claim credit for such projects is, at best, disingenuous and, at worst, a dubious attempt at rewriting history. Leadership is not about appropriating the ideas of others; it is about creating a roadmap that inspires progress and leaves a mark for future generations.

Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq boasts of constructing two bridges, but the question is, were the projects well-thought-out? Was there really a need for the bridges at Tanke and Unity? Vsionary leaders don't just execute project because they need to, but because there is a need for it. It should also be noted that building or renovating bridges is routine; it reflects the natural evolution of infrastructure in modern times. However, Abdulrahman’s inability to innovate or conceive projects that stand out shows he litterally has no business in governance. Leadership requires originality, vision, and a legacy to be proud of—qualities glaringly absent in his administration.

When you think of innovation in Kwara farming, Shonga Farms comes to mind—a project conceived with the understanding that governance transcends individual tenure. It is a model for investment and innovation in Kwara State. The project had such a great prospect that Kwara State was seen as the next destination of the farming revolution in the country which will lead other states into the next phase of agribusiness. The Governor rather than building on such initiatives, has opted to criticize them while failing to bring out his own. What will his legacy project be? What lasting contributions will he leave for Kwarans to celebrate?

Renovating the Kwara State Government House Gatehouse is not a legacy project. Building and renovating hotels or a cinema house might serve as quick wins, but they are hardly milestones of governance—they are projects any private investor could undertake. A governor who celebrates such trivialities as major achievements only highlights the mediocrity that defines his administration.

Moreover, Abdulrahman's divisive politics undermine the very foundation of governance. His first term was built on the Otooge Movement, which brought together a coalition of stakeholders who shared a vision for Kwara’s progress. Yet, in his characteristic style, Abdulrahman turned on those who stood by him, factionalizing the APC and alienating the very people who propelled him to power. Now in his second term, he has doubled down on this divisive approach, sidelining loyalists and prioritizing personal interests over the state’s progress.

Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s administration is not only devoid of substance but also positions him poorly for future relevance. What future aspirations can he hold when his eight years as governor have yielded no significant achievements? No reasonable president would appoint someone with such a lackluster record to a ministerial or cabinet position.

Kwara Central would also reject him at the polls if he ever attempts to represent them at the National Assembly. His pride and inability to collaborate effectively would render him ineffective in lobbying for projects or advancing the state’s interests seeing the crops of representatives that they've had, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq at best is only useful for his immediate family and cronies.

Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq's administration has been a lesson in what happens when a leader lacks vision, innovation, and the ability to unite people for the common good. His tenure has shown that he cannot be trusted to deliver for Kwarans or represent their interests effectively.

As his tenure winds down, one must ask: what will Kwara remember him for? Bridges that are ordinary in every sense of the word? Renovations that pale in comparison to groundbreaking projects of past administrations? Or the division and mediocrity that defined his time in office?



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1 comment:

  1. This article can best be described as a case of the pot calling the kettle black. Talk is cheap; why didn't the writer contest the election? Isn't he from Kwara as well? It's amazing how every serving leader is called all sorts of negative names and insulted, but years later, they're suddenly the best thing since sliced bread. Criticizing a leader is easy, but not knowing what you have until you lose it is typical of most unappreciative citizens. The writer claims the Governor has no legacy project, but for us, being freed from the shackles of our oppressors is freedom and its enough.

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