2027:Kwara youths call Prof. Wale Sulaiman to join governorship race
The Kwara Young Progressives Network (KYPN) has formally called on renowned neurosurgeon and technocrat, Professor Wale Sulaiman, CON, to vie for the governorship of Kwara State in the 2027 general election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The call was made on Monday, January 5, 2026, during a press conference held in Ilorin, where the youth group said its decision followed extensive consultations across communities in the state and within the APC.
Addressing journalists through its coordinator, Ololade Emmanuel, KYPN praised the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, describing his tenure as transformational, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, education, healthcare, governance reforms, and public sector accountability.
The group said the governor’s achievements have repositioned Kwara State on the path of sustainable development and restored public confidence in governance.
The youth body emphasized that Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and the APC constitution guarantee open participation and competitive primaries for all qualified aspirants, irrespective of background or senatorial district and noted that early political activities ahead of the 2027 elections are in line with democratic norms.
According to KYPN, a careful and comparative evaluation of emerging and potential aspirants across the three senatorial districts informed its resolution to call on Prof. Sulaiman to join the race.
“Professor Wale Sulaiman possesses the qualities required to consolidate and advance the legacy of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,” the group said, citing his experience in public service, private sector leadership, academic excellence, international exposure, and humanitarian record.
The group highlighted Prof. Sulaiman’s service as Special Adviser on Health Matters to Governor AbdulRazaq, noting his contributions to health sector reforms and the state’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It also referenced his current role as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, where he has overseen infrastructural development and facilitated the employment of over 200 Nigerians.
KYPN further noted that Prof. Sulaiman serves on key federal committees under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Federal Ministry of Education, a reflection, it said, of the confidence reposed in his competence and integrity.
Internationally, the group described Prof. Sulaiman as a respected physician executive who has led major healthcare institutions in the United States, managed complex organizations, and overseen large budgets—experience it believes is relevant to governing a modern and diverse state like Kwara.
On his humanitarian efforts, KYPN cited the activities of the RNZ Foundation, including scholarships for thousands of students, empowerment programmes for farmers and market women, medical outreaches, free surgeries, and community development projects across Kwara State.
It also recalled his national recognition with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) award by former President Muhammadu Buhari, an honour which it said came on the heels of his contributions to the development of the society.
The group stressed that its endorsement is not based on ethnic or zoning considerations but on competence, capacity, continuity, and character.
“We believe Kwara State deserves quality leadership that can consolidate ongoing reforms and deliver greater dividends of democracy. Prof. Wale Sulaiman fits this profile,” the statement said.
KYPN urged Prof. Sulaiman to reflect on the call, consult widely, and respond to what it described as “the wish of his people.”
The group also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the Renewed Hope Agenda and called on APC members across the state to actively participate in the party’s ongoing e-registration exercise.
