AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 5, 1960 Kano State, Nigeria |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Years active | 1999–present |
| Known for | Governor of Kwara State since 2019; Chairman of Nigeria Governors' Forum (2023–present) |
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (born 5 February 1960) is a prominent Nigerian political figure who has held the office of governor of Kwara State since 2019.
Prior to his political career, he served as the chief executive officer of First Fuels Limited. AbdulRazaq made several attempts to secure the governorship of Kwara State, contesting in 2003, 2007, and 2011 under the banner of the Congress for Progressive Change, but was defeated by Bukola Saraki and later Abdulfatah Ahmed. In the 2019 elections, representing the ruling All Progressives Congress, he successfully won the governorship.
In 2021, AbdulRazaq introduced KwaraLEARN, an educational program aimed at enhancing the quality of basic education by empowering teachers. By May 2023, he regarded KwaraLEARN as one of his most impactful initiatives. On 1 August 2023, he accompanied six fellow governors as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official delegation to commemorate the 63rd independence anniversary of the Republic of Benin.
Early life
Born in Kano State, AbdulRazaq is the son of Alhaji Abdulganiyu Abdulrasaq SAN, recognized as Nigeria’s first northern lawyer. His early education included attendance at Capital School in Kaduna (1966–1968), Bishop Smith Memorial School in Ilorin (1970–1971), and Government College Kaduna, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate Examination in 1976.
Politics
AbdulRazaq embarked on his political journey in 1999 following Nigeria's return to democratic governance. He ran unsuccessfully for the governorship of Kwara State under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011 and also sought election to represent Kwara Central Senatorial District with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in both 2011 and 2015 but did not win. In October 2018, he emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Kwara State governor.
He secured election as governor in March 2019 and was officially sworn into office on 29 May 2019. AbdulRazaq was reelected on 19 March 2023, defeating PDP candidate Yaman Abdullahi by a significant margin.
On 24 May 2023, he assumed the role of Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, taking over from former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal, with Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde appointed as deputy chairman.
Personal life
He is wedded to Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq (born 2 August 1967), and together they have three sons.
References
17. "Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, and five others journey to Benin Republic" The City Gazette. 1 August 2023. Accessed 1 August 2023.