Leading APC governorship aspirant in Kwara State, Prof. Wale Sulaiman, CON, has dismissed widespread claims suggesting he stepped down from the governorship race ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, describing the reports as false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to manipulate public perception and create confusion within the party.
In a statement issued by the Media Directorate of the Prof. Wale Sulaiman Governorship Campaign Organisation, the campaign team categorically denied rumours circulating in some political circles that the renowned neurosurgeon and former Special Adviser on Health Matters had withdrawn his ambition in favour of an anointed candidate.
The campaign clarified that Prof. Sulaiman remains firmly in the race and fully prepared to participate in the APC governorship primary election, stressing that interpretations linking his recent public remarks on party loyalty and supremacy to withdrawal from the contest were a calculated distortion of his message.
“At no point in the video recently released by Prof. Wale Sulaiman on his social media platforms did he announce or imply that he had stepped down for anyone,” the statement noted. “Such interpretations amount to deliberate misinformation aimed at creating unnecessary tension and confusion within the political space.”
The campaign further explained that while Prof. Sulaiman had consistently reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC leadership and commitment to party discipline, his respect for party supremacy should not be misconstrued as withdrawal from the governorship contest.
According to the statement, the APC leadership had directed all aspirants to proceed with the governorship primary process, adding that Prof. Sulaiman, as a loyal party member, remains committed to participating fully in the democratic exercise.
The development comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the APC governorship primaries, with observers noting increasing speculation and misinformation across social media platforms regarding the intentions of leading aspirants.
The campaign accused unnamed actors of deploying propaganda and false narratives to weaken supporters’ morale and influence political perceptions at a critical stage of the process.
“In this era of social media manipulation and political propaganda, it is not unusual for individuals to deliberately misrepresent lawful political developments for selfish interests,” the statement said, urging members of the public to rely only on verified information directly issued by Prof. Wale Sulaiman or his official campaign structure.
The governorship aspirant also reiterated his commitment to participatory democracy, fairness, inclusion, and transparent internal party processes, insisting that all aspirants deserve the opportunity to test their popularity through credible democratic mechanisms.
The campaign maintained that democracy thrives when every legitimate voice is allowed to participate and be heard through the ballot, adding that Prof. Sulaiman’s longstanding respect for institutional processes and internal democracy reflects political maturity rather than political withdrawal.
The statement therefore called on Kwarans, APC faithful, delegates, and supporters across the state to disregard rumours of his withdrawal or claims that he had stepped down for any preferred candidate, describing such narratives as baseless and intentionally misleading.
APC Party faithfuls and supporters were urged to remain calm, focused, and mobilised for today’s governorship primary, with the campaign expressing confidence in securing victory through democratic participation.
“Let no one be distracted by rumours, misinformation, or attempts to dampen the spirit of the movement. The task ahead remains clear: to mobilise massively for the primary election and deliver victory for Prof. Wale Sulaiman,” the statement concluded.
End.
20th May, 2026
