APC gubernatorial aspirant and chieftain, Prof. Wale Sulaiman, CON, paid a courtesy visit to the Kwara State leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to congratulate them on the successful conduct of the recently concluded party congress and the inauguration of party executives at the ward, local government, and state levels which was held on Friday.
Prof. Sulaiman, who was accompanied by APC chieftains Alhaji Khaleel Bolaji and Alhaji Abdulkarim Oladipupo Kadiri, was received by the Kwara State APC Executive Committee under the leadership of the State Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi.
During the visit, Prof. Sulaiman commended HIs Excellency, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq CON for overseeing a successful Congress and the party leadership for what he described as a high level of professionalism and administrative competence, which he said has continued to strengthen the APC in Kwara State.
According to him, “Your performance and steadfast commitment to the progressive ideals of our party have earned you the confidence of party members to once again lead the APC in Kwara State. I am confident that under your leadership, the party will remain united, strong, and formidable.”
The renowned neurosurgeon also reaffirmed his belief in party supremacy, emphasizing that political aspirations must always be pursued within the framework and structure of the party.
“I strongly believe in party supremacy. In Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, there is no room for independent candidacy. Every political aspiration must be pursued through the party structure and in line with the principles guiding the party. We must learn to manage our differences and avoid creating cracks that the opposition could exploit,” he said.
He congratulated the party leadership on the peaceful conduct of the congress and expressed optimism about a smooth and credible party primary process ahead.
Prof. Sulaiman also reaffirmed his commitment and loyalty to the APC, pledging to continue working closely with the party structure to strengthen internal democracy and advance the collective interest of the party.
In his remarks, the APC State Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, appreciated Prof. Sulaiman and his delegation for the visit and for their consistent support for the party.
He commended Prof. Sulaiman’s unwavering commitment to party supremacy and congratulated him on the emergence of the new APC Chairman of Irepodun Local Government Area from his ward.
Prince Fagbemi urged him to use his influence and leadership experience to help manage internal issues within Irepodun LGA and ensure that stakeholders in the area remain united.
“As a respected leader, we urge you to help us maintain unity among stakeholders in Irepodun LGA so that the party can remain strong and cohesive at this critical time. We also encourage you to give the necessary support to the new executives to enable them to succeed in their responsibilities,” he said.
The APC Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Samari, also commended Prof. Sulaiman for his continued support for the party and his adherence to the principles guiding the APC. He urged him to sustain his commitment to unity and solidarity among party members, particularly in Irepodun LGA.
“We are gradually moving to the next stage of the political process, which is the party primaries. Naturally, there will be competing interests among aspirants, but we must learn to manage our differences and continue to work together as progressives,” he added.
Similarly, the APC State Secretary, Alhaji Muhammed Mustapha Salman (Ishowo), praised Prof. Sulaiman for his commitment to the growth and progress of the APC in Kwara State, describing him as a respected party statesman.
“We truly appreciate your dedication to the party. In fact, the Chairman and I were about to leave for another engagement before your arrival, but when we were informed of your visit, we decided to wait to receive you,” he said, while also praying for continued unity and success for the party.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Alhaji Abdulkarim Oladipupo Kadiri thanked the party leadership for hosting the team and expressed confidence that the APC would continue to maintain its strong position in Kwara politics.
He also offered prayers for the repose of the souls of some departed party stalwarts, including Dr. Bello, Hon. Abdulganiu Zubair (Ganzy), and Barrister Kunle Sulaiman, praying that Almighty Allah forgives their shortcomings and grants them Al-Jannatul Firdaus.