Leading Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Wale Sulaiman, CON has officially unveiled the Kwara Prosperity Agenda while dismissing speculations surrounding the emergence of a consensus candidate.
The world-renowned neurosurgeon formally joined the growing list of aspirants seeking to succeed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, insisting that the process for choosing the party’s flagbearer remains open and constitutionally guided.
The declaration made on Thursday was preceded by a massive show of force as thousands of supporters stormed the streets of Ilorin for a grand procession.
The rally, which commenced at the Fate axis, snaked through the city’s commercial nerve centres—Challenge and Taiwo—before concluding its symbolic march at the Emir’s Palace.
Following the procession, the movement converged at Rotana Hotels, Ilorin, which was filled to capacity with loyalists, political stakeholders, and dignitaries from across all 16 Local Government Areas of the state.
While officially unveiling his campaign blueprint, titled the “Kwara Prosperity Agenda,” Prof. Sulaiman described it as a roadmap for structural and economic transformation. He emphasised that his vision is anchored on three key pillars Healthcare Transformation, Economic Prosperity and Human Capital Development.
Addressing the capacity crowd, the APC stalwart debunked reports of pre-determined endorsements or zoning arrangements.
“I want to let the public know that no consensus candidate has been chosen,” Sulaiman stated.
“The process is clearly defined in the APC constitution and the Electoral Act. For there to be a consensus, all aspirants must sign an undertaking that they are stepping down and endorse that candidate. Every other thing you are hearing is just rumour.” He added.
He urged party faithful to disregard claims of zoning, noting that he trusts the leadership of the party to follow legal frameworks rather than sentiment.
Prof. Sulaiman, who served as a Special Adviser in the current administration, praised the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq government and the 2019 “Otoge” movement for moving Kwara in a “different direction.” He described himself as a “forerunner” in the race, pledging to sustain and expand the developmental strides of the incumbent governor.
Also speaking at the event, a former Commissioner for Water Resources, Khaleed Bolaji described Sulaiman as the preferred choice to continue the APC’s progress in the state.
The declaration comes amid mounting contestations within the Kwara APC. While some blocs have backed Senator Saliu Mustapha others have rallied support for businessman Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki.
Furthermore, stakeholders from Kwara North continue to push for a power shift to their zone, while others insist that competence represented by figures like the Ajase-Ipo born professor should be the deciding factor in the 2027 race.
9japarrot reports that with the successful launch of his blueprint and a high-energy street rally, Prof. Wale Sulaiman has officially set the pace for an era of issue-based campaigning focused on prosperity and progress.