••• Describes Him as an Outstanding Aspirant
In continuation of his stakeholders’ engagement tour, the foremost Kwara State governorship aspirant, Prof. Wale Sulaiman, CON, has consulted the All Progressives Congress (APC) Kwara South Elders Caucus, led by Chief J. B. Ayeni, to seek their support for his 2027 gubernatorial ambition.
The renowned neurosurgeon, physician executive, and successful entrepreneur stated that his decision to contest the 2027 governorship election was inspired by the need to sustain and expand the Renewed Hope Transformation Agenda laid by His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, and envisioned by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
He emphasized that Kwara State requires credible leadership driven by proven competence, professional excellence, and genuine humanitarian service. According to him:
“Money should not be the sole criterion for selecting those who govern and manage our commonwealth. Leadership must be built on competence, capacity, and character. It is time for us, as a united people of Kwara State, to shape our political future through a transparent and merit-based leadership recruitment process.
My aspiration is not motivated by regional sentiment, but by the desire to move Kwara State forward across all regions, LGAs, and wards. I believe I am capable of the task, and I have come to seek the blessings and support of my elders as this journey begins.”
Former Senator representing Kwara State and revered elder statesman, Sen. Suleiman Makanjuola Ajadi, expressed his excitement over Prof. Sulaiman’s aspiration. He noted that when the professor privately consulted him, he asked him several strategic questions and was impressed by his responses.
“I am not disappointed that someone like you aspires to be Governor of Kwara State. By all standards, you are qualified. You have shown genuine love for your people, and I am a living testimony to your humanitarian medical interventions. A golden child like you cannot be hidden. We are proud of your global achievements, and we will give you our full support,” he said.
Similarly, Senator Bisi Oyewo, a veteran politician and former senator from Kwara South, applauded Prof. Sulaiman’s excellence in neurosurgery and system building. He recounted his personal experience when he was advised by his children to seek medical care abroad.
“I was referred to Prof. Wale Sulaiman’s RNZ Clinic in Lagos. When I met him, I told him my children wanted to take me to the United States for treatment. He smiled and gave me sound medical advice that restored my health. Later, I was informed that the doctors I planned to meet abroad were his students. You truly do not know Prof. Wale Sulaiman until you see him in his professional circle. We thank God for giving Kwara such a worthy son,” he said, wishing him success in his political journey.
Chief J. B. Ayeni commended Prof. Sulaiman for consulting the elders after formally declaring his intention at the ward level.
“We are happy about your aspiration. You have demonstrated unquestionable capacity, excellence, and competence through your career achievements. We will give you the necessary support,” he said.
Engr. C. O. Adebayo, the Chairman/Executive Secretary of NALDA, called for unity of purpose and renewed commitment to the development of Kwara State among the elders. He noted that the dynamics of Kwara politics are of keen interest to Aso Villa, and that the emergence of the next governorship candidate will reflect competence, capacity, and a proven track record of excellence.
He urged the elders to look inward and support their own, adding, “My presence at this meeting today shows that I stand firmly in support of our own.”
The leader of the youth wing of the APC Kwara South Elders Caucus, Prince Saheed, also praised Prof. Sulaiman for stepping forward and urged him to work closely with young people, whom he described as his strongest supporters.
Similarly, in a related development, a former Chairman of Isin Local Government Area, former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly representing Isin LGA, and former Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs in Kwara State, Chief Bisi Victor Oloruntoba, expressed his delight over Prof. Wale Sulaiman’s Gubernatorial aspiration at this critical moment in Kwara politics.
He stated that throughout his political career, he has consistently devoted himself to the cause of equity, justice, and fairness in Kwara State. Recounting past events, he explained that he was once labelled a betrayer by some of his people when he supported the Governorship aspiration of former Governor Bukola Saraki in 2003; a time when Igbomina could not present a unified governorship candidate on the request of late Dr. Abubakar Olushola Saraki.
Chief Oloruntoba further recalled that he was quoted on radio as advocating for aspirants from other regions. However, he clarified that he has now formally withdrawn that position, in light of what he described as the emergence of one of the most qualified and credible governorship aspirants in Kwara State — Prof. Wale Sulaiman, CON.
According to him: “I want to state clearly today that I withdraw any previous statement credited to me in support of aspirants from other regions. The emergence of Prof. Wale Sulaiman has changed everything. If this support is the last political gift I will offer in the interest of my people, I am willing to give it wholeheartedly.”
He concluded by affirming his readiness to fully support Prof. Wale Sulaiman’s aspiration in the collective interest of Kwara State.
Prof. Wale Sulaiman’s aspiration was warmly received and widely celebrated, with attendees pledging their blessings and support.
The meeting recorded a large turnout of respected elders, leaders, women, and youths from the seven local government areas of Kwara South.