2027: Support grows for Wale Sulaiman’s Governorship aspiration in Kwara

By Rotimi Afolayan

Momentum appears to be building around the governorship aspiration of Prof. Wale Sulaiman, CON, following his submission of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to contest the 2027 Kwara State governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The internationally renowned neurosurgeon formally entered the race months after publicly declaring his intention to contest, a move that has continued to generate discussions within political and professional circles across the state.

Observers within the APC believe his emergence introduces a new dynamic into the governorship contest, with many pointing to his blend of international experience, public service background and humanitarian contributions as factors strengthening his profile ahead of the party primaries.

Prof. Sulaiman, who has built a distinguished medical career in the United States, previously served as Chairman of Neurosurgery at the Ochsner Health System and is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Supporters of the APC aspirant argue that beyond his global accomplishments, his long-standing interventions in healthcare and community development through the RNZ Foundation have earned him grassroots acceptance in different parts of Kwara State.

According to them, his commitment to humanitarian service predates politics, citing years of free medical outreach programmes, surgeries, healthcare support and the training of medical professionals in Nigeria.

They further noted that his contributions to the state’s health sector became more visible during his tenure as Special Adviser on Health Matters to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic response period.

Within APC circles, Prof. Sulaiman is also being projected as a unifying figure capable of sustaining internal cohesion and consolidating on the developmental initiatives of the current administration.

Political stakeholders backing his aspiration said his leadership approach is anchored on what he describes as the “Kwara Prosperity Agenda,” a development framework focused on healthcare, education, economic growth, youth empowerment and investment-driven governance.

According to supporters, the agenda seeks to reposition Kwara from a largely civil service-dependent economy into a more productive and industrially competitive state through innovation, skills development and strategic investment.

They also expressed confidence in his ability to attract foreign partnerships and leverage his international network to stimulate economic opportunities and institutional growth within the state.

As political consultations intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, Prof. Sulaiman’s supporters maintain that his combination of professional excellence, governance experience and community engagement distinguishes him as one of the major contenders in the race to succeed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.