As the 2027 election gathers momentum, interested governorship contenders across political parties in Kwara State have swung into action through various engagements to woo electorates and party stakeholders.
For the Speaker of the 8th Kwara State House of Assembly, Prof. Ali Ahmad, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), there is no better time than now to reach out to the grassroots.
Although the minimum requirement to contest for any political seat in Nigeria is the possession of a school leaving certificate, Ali Dodo as his supporters prefer to address him, comes into the picture with a rich resume that many of his likely contenders would wish to have.
Born on November 23, 1965, Ali Ahmad’s academic career began in 1990 at Bayero University, Kano and went on to teach at the University of Ilorin, Baze University, Abuja and Emory University School of Law, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, among others where he distinguished himself as a professor of constitutional law and legislative studies.
As a former member of the House of Representatives during the 7th National Assembly representing the Ilorin East/South federal constituency, he changed the landscape of law reforms in Nigeria with his revolutionary bill on the Administration of Criminal Justice System (ACJA).
Furthermore, his legislative sojourn at the National Assembly coincided with the debate, amendment and passage of the Not-too-young-to-rule Bill of which he became an ambassador that reduced the age limit preventing young Nigerians from running for elective positions in the country.
Professionally, Ali Ahmad has practised law in Nigeria and New York City, United States, his political career however began as a special assistant to the then Governor of Kwara State, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki in 2005.
Just like at the national level with ACJA, the academia-turned-politician’s contributions to Kwara’s development is very instructive. He played a key role in the creation and establishment of Kwara State University, Malete, during the administration of Governor Saraki where he was appointed the secretary of Feasibility Committee, Planning Committee and Steering Committee at various times.
During his tenure as the speaker of the 8th Kwara State House of Assembly, he led the legislative house in passing laws that improved the socio-economic wellbeing of the state. His leadership also changed the narrative for quality legislation, ensuring that no part of the state was left out in the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots and maintained a robust relationship with the administration of former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.
At the same time, he demonstrated a commitment to upholding the principle of power separation, resisting overtures from the executive when necessary and always holding on to the constitution when situations warranted greater legislative-executive confrontation.
As an erudite scholar and top member of the Saraki political dynasty, Ali Ahmad has used his political positions to alleviate the sufferings of the less privileged in Ilorin Emirate and across the state. His various political assignments within and outside the state has provided him the experience to make a difference and serve as an impetus to lead in another higher position in the state in the near future.
The recent celebration of Prof. Ali Ahmad’s 59th birthday in the state provided an opportunity to engage with communities across political divides and make wider consultations with various political groups and leaders within and outside the PDP. He also engaged Islamic scholars, youths and women communities.
During the event, his political associates hailed his loyalty, commitment and humanitarian service to the growth of the PDP.
According to a former house of representatives member, Hon. Moshood Mustapha, the former Attorney-General of the state was “a true patriot who has used his political positions to add value to the socio-economic wellbeing of the people especially in Ilorin Emirate”.
Mustapha, who is also the Wakilin of Ilorin, described Ali Ahmad as a beacon of hope for Kwara in view of his love for the people and a humble and unassuming politician.
On his part, Engineer Kawu Agaka, the Dan Iya Geri of Ilorin Emirate, said the former speaker “exemplifies utmost dedication to public service and has left an indelible mark on legal reforms in Nigeria, contributing significantly to the advancement of democracy, rule of law, and good governance.”
Hon Saheed Popoola, a former APC member who later romanced the SDP and served with Ali Ahmad at the house of Assembly, the former speaker is an exceptional character with rare leadership qualities.
In the words of the former Executive Director, Loans and Mortgage Services, North Central zone, Mallam Mustapha Lukman, Ali Ahmad is an “excellent academic, compassionate leader and a true inspiration to everyone who knows him”.
“Your achievements highlight a life of purpose and vision. As a friend and mentor, your influence has touched countless lives, including mine, during my academic sojourn as a law student at Baze University.
“Your remarkable contributions to academia, governance, and the legal profession are a reflection of your dedication to excellence and integrity”, he added.
Religious/Scholars Solidarity
The Council of Ulamah, including Islamic clerics and community leaders, further hailed the professor of constitutional law and legislative studies.
Sheikh Abu Sheriff International Islamic Dawah Organisation in his remarks, extolled the former speaker for his kindness and love for community and faith-based engagements.
He described him as “the true lover of the grassroots who has remained accessible to the people despite being out of office. He urged other prominent individuals in society to emulate his kind gesture.
Prof. Ahmad, who was later conferred with the title of “Sarki Malami Asiido Worldwide”, donated N1 million for the infrastructural development of the Islamic center and an additional N500,000 to support other awardees at the 46th Anniversary and Merit Award Ceremony.
During his courtesy visit to the Khalifatu-Adabiyah, Sheikh AbdulQodir Kamaludeen Al-Adabiy shortly after his engagements with the Ilorin community at the Tuwo spot, Araoyo, Omoda, Ilorin, the revered Islamic cleric acknowledged the loyalty towards his political endeavours and urged him to remain steadfast and committed to the ideals and teaching of the Holy Qur’an throughout his privileged positions.
He prayed to Allah for guidance and protection ahead of his future engagements.
The Chief Missioner of Ansarul-Islam, Sheikh Ayara Adaby, expressed admiration for the former speaker, whom he described as an intellectual gentleman with the passion for Islamic and Western education.
The presence of the former lawmaker amidst the congregation, Ayara said, is a true testament to his love and passion for the community and grassroots development.
While delivering a keynote address recently at a mentorship session for emerging leaders in memory of the late Dr Olusola Saraki, which he facilitated, the ex-lawmaker described the late political sage as an inspirational figure who motivated a lot of people across backgrounds.
The late Baba Oloye, he noted, was a man who seamlessly bridged the gap between the powerful and the ordinary and was promoter of education, healthcare, and philanthropism throughout his lifetime.
Support for party struggles
Addressing journalists at the Magistrate Court in Ilorin recently shortly after the case instituted by the PDP candidates for the last LGA polls against the incumbent chairmen of the APC at tribunal, Prof Ali Ahmad expressed confidence in his party’s victory and hope that adding that the mandate will be returned in Ilọrin south and other local governments councils.
Identifying with opposition/grassroots
The academia-turned-politician has continued to prioritise community engagements in continuation of his wide consultations with state actors across the divides towards the realisation of his political aspirations.
He recently held a parley with the coalition of 69 PDP ward youth leaders and their women counterparts across the four local government areas in Kwara central.
In the same vein, he also visited a prominent APC chieftain, Bar Kunle Sulyman over the demise of his first son and the Zarumi family over the passing of the 10th Magaji Zarumi Ologbondoroko of Ilorin, Alhaji Saheed Abioye Zarumi.
In another high-level consultation with chieftains from the PDP and SDP in Offa LGA, he assured the party members of equal opportunities for all devoid of party affiliations.
He emphasised the importance of forging united fronts in the best interest of the people, citing the “current maladministration from the ruling APC in the state.
The former speaker appealed to other opposition parties in the state to channel their energies towards harnessing the power of political actors across divides to forge a united front in the contest of the 2027 general elections under the PDP.
At Patigi while on a commiseration visit to the family of the late three time House of Representatives member, Ahman Patigi, Prof Ahmad donated N1 million and secured a 2-year rent for the PDP secretariat in a bid to re-energize the party activities in the council.
Appeal
Addressing the audience at the various consultations, Prof. Ahmad enlisted their support for his ambition to govern the state and provide quality leadership for the people.
He expressed his desire that the people of Kwara deserve a person of his calibre in view of his political experiences garnered since his debut in politics.
While emphasising the desire to promote good governance if given the mandate come 2027, the constitutional lawyer promised to put the state on the world map.
He called on the members of the party to be very optimistic about its return to power in the next political dispensation.
He advised them to shun any acrimony and worked as a team so as to achieve the desired goal in the state.
During the engagement, the community leaders and stakeholders who were very elated to receive him promised to rally round his future ambition.
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