Kwara 2027: Prof. Wale Sulaiman officially declares interest in guber race

••• Pledges to Build on Gov. AbdulRazaq’s Legacies, Receives Massive Support from Ajase-Ipo Ward I Stakeholders

The political landscape of Kwara State shifted significantly on Friday as world-renowned neurosurgeon and Chairman of the Governing Council, FUHSI Ila-Orangun, Prof. Wale Sulaiman, CON, officially expressed his interest in contesting the 2027 Kwara State gubernatorial election.

Prof. Sulaiman made this known during an official intimation and stakeholders’ engagement meeting with APC leaders and executives from his political ward, Ajase-Ipo Ward I, held at the Ajase-Ipo Descendants Union (ADU) Hall.

His intention to join the gubernatorial race was met with high-spirited enthusiasm from party elders and executives, many of whom noted that the move doused many rumours and marked a historic moment for Kwara politics.

Prof. Sulaiman, who previously served as the Special Adviser on Health Matters to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, and currently serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI), stated that his ambition is fuelled by a desire to sustain and expand the success story of the current administration.

He lauded Governor AbdulRazaq for his urban renewal projects and people-oriented policies felt across the state.

Prof. Sulaiman noted in his remarks that for Kwara to reach its full potential, it requires a leader with a national and international network, national recognition and respect, and proven capacity, management and leadership skills as well as impeccable integrity, emphasizing that his experience would be leveraged to transform Kwara into a point of envy among Nigerian states.

“It’s not yet time for campaign. Today, I am here to formally express my interest to contest for Governor come 2027. We need someone who has the capacity, capability, and competence, and who is respected nationally and internationally to continue the good work done by Governor AbdulRazaq,” he said.

Demonstrating leadership beyond politics, Prof. Sulaiman earlier began the session by calling for a one-minute silence in honour of the victims of the recent Woro community massacre in Kaiama LGA of Kwara State.

He condemned the killings as barbaric and praised the Governor’s unshaken efforts in combating insecurity. He also used the occasion to celebrate the 66th birth anniversary of Governor AbdulRazaq, which occurred yesterday. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for all his supports for Kwara as we tackle serious security challenges.

Similarly, Prof. Sulaiman also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold steps toward national developments, noting that the President’s Renewed Hope agenda is already yielding positive economic outcomes recognised by the World Bank.

He likened the achievements of the President at the federal level to those of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the state level, describing the duo as great reformers with notable and unprecedented achievements.

Speaking at the event, Alhaji Hon. Abdulkarim Oladipo Kadiri recalled that during the 2023 senatorial campaigns, communities leaders and stakeholders already identified governorship credentials in Prof. Wale Sulaiman.

He noted that everything in life happens according to the will of God and has already been predestined. He said it is obvious the time is now for it to manifest and that God will see them through the project.

Alhaji Bolaji Khaleel, a former Commissioner for Water Resources, on his part asserted that he has seen no other candidate with the quality to lead Kwara aside from Prof. Wale Sulaiman, CON, given his enviable legacies and unmatched professional credentials.

Former Special Adviser to the governor from Isin Local Government Area, Mr Sunday Awoyemi, noted that despite other candidates from his own LGA, Prof. Sulaiman remains the best hand if competence, capacity, and character are allowed to take their course.

Prof. Olaitan Bashir, Secretary of the APC Irepodun Elders’ Caucus, described Prof. Wale Sulaiman as the right person who fits the cap. He added that the formal expression from his ward level has justified that the Ajase-Ipo-born politician is determined and committed to join the Kwara gubernatorial race come 2027. He pledged that ajasse ward 1 is now impregnable to all other aspirants with Prof Sulaiman’s declaration.

Also speaking, the Ajase Ward I APC Chairman, Hon. Wale Odebade Rasheed, commended him for taking the bold step in vying for governor, noting that he is not a stranger to his qualities. He said Prof. Sulaiman has proven to be a focused, diligent, and intelligent personality who is always dedicated to the progress of the people of Kwara State and his community, citing their working relationship when he served as SA on Health Matters to the Governor.

Dr. Ibrahim Ayanda, a revered elder stakeholder from Ajase Ward I, highlighted the Professor’s long-standing philanthropic efforts as a key reason for his sellability and social acceptability as a gubernatorial aspirant. He cited himself as a direct beneficiary of free eye surgery provided by Prof. Sulaiman’s foundation, a gesture that has been extended to thousands across the state over the years.

Similarly, Alhaja Aminat Folake, former Chairperson of Oke-Ode LGA, congratulated Ajase Ward I for birthing a personality like Prof. Wale Sulaiman. She noted that he is the envy of every LGA in Kwara State, given his remarkable achievements professionally, nationally, and internationally. According to her, the people of Oke-Ero are happy and ready to support him, whom they believe will build on the legacy of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq come 2027.

The atmosphere was full of excitement and acceptance as the people of Ajase Ward I showed their love and joy as Prof. Wale Sulaiman expressed his next political move.

9japarrot reports that the meeting witnessed a high turnout of political heavyweights, including Hon. Prince John Jide Asonibare (former Ifelodun TIC Chairman), Owoseni Oladipo, JP, Hon Taiye Olaniyi, all ajasse ward 1 party executives, ward leaders and stakeholders youth representatives, among others.