A world-renowned neurosurgeon and Chairman of the Governing Council of the FUHSI, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, Prof. Wale Sulaiman, has officially expressed his interest in contesting the 2027 Kwara State gubernatorial election.

Professor Sulaiman made this known on Friday during an official intimation and stakeholders’ engagement meeting.

The meeting was with the leaders and executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from his political ward, Ajase-Ipo Ward I at the Ajase-Ipo Descendants Union (ADU) Hall.

His intention to join the gubernatorial race was met with high-spirited enthusiasm from party elders and executives, many of whom noted that the move doused many rumours and marked a historic moment for Kwara State politics.

Prof. Sulaiman, who previously served as the Special Adviser on Health Matters to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and now Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI), stated that his ambition is fuelled by a desire to sustain and expand the success story of the current administration.

He lauded Governor AbdulRazaq for his urban renewal projects and people-oriented policies felt across the state.

He noted in his remarks that for Kwara State to reach its full potential, it requires a leader with a national and international network, national recognition and respect, and proven capacity, management and leadership skills as well as impeccable integrity.

He emphasised that his experience would be leveraged to transform Kwara State into a point of envy among Nigerian states.

Sulaiman said: “It’s not yet time for a campaign.

“Today, I am here to formally express my interest to contest for governor come 2027.

“We need someone who has the capacity, capability, and competence, and who is respected nationally and internationally to continue the good work done by Governor AbdulRazaq.”

Demonstrating leadership beyond politics, Prof. Sulaiman earlier began the session by calling for a one-minute silence in honour of the victims of the recent Woro community massacre in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

He condemned the killings as barbaric and praised the governor’s unshaken efforts in combating insecurity.

He also used the occasion to celebrate the 66th birth anniversary of AbdulRazaq.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for all his support for Kwara State in tackling its security challenges.

Similarly, Prof. Sulaiman also commended Tinubu for his bold steps toward national developments, noting that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is already yielding positive economic outcomes recognised by the World Bank.

He likened the achievements of the President at the federal level to those of Governor AbdulRazaq at the state level, describing the duo as great reformers with notable and unprecedented achievements.

Speaking at the event, Alhaji Hon. Abdulkarim Oladipo Kadiri recalled that during the 2023 senatorial campaigns, community leaders and stakeholders already identified governorship credentials in Prof. Sulaiman.

Kadiri noted that everything in life happens according to the will of God and has already been predestined.

He said it is obvious the time is now for it to manifest and that God will see them through the project.

Alhaji Bolaji Khaleel, a former Commissioner for Water Resources, on his part asserted that he has seen no other candidate with the quality to lead Kwara State aside from Sulaiman, given his enviable legacies and unmatched professional credentials.

A former Special Adviser to the Governor from Isin Local Government Area, Sunday Awoyemi, noted that despite other candidates from his own LGA, Prof. Sulaiman remains the best hand if competence, capacity, and character are allowed to take their course.

Prof. Olaitan Bashir, Secretary of the APC Irepodun Elders’ Caucus, described Sulaiman as the right person who fits the cap.

Bashir added that the formal expression from his ward level has justified that the Ajase-Ipo-born politician is determined and committed to join the Kwara State gubernatorial race come 2027.

He pledged that Ajase Ward 1 is now impregnable to all other aspirants with Sulaiman’s declaration.

Also speaking, the Ajase Ward I APC Chairman, Hon. Wale Odebade Rasheed, commended him for taking the bold step in vying for governor, noting that he is not a stranger to his qualities.

Rasheed said Prof. Sulaiman has proven to be a focused, diligent, and intelligent personality who is always dedicated to the progress of the people of Kwara State and his community, citing their working relationship when he served as SA on Health Matters to the Governor.

Dr. Ibrahim Ayanda, a revered elder stakeholder from Ajase Ward I, highlighted the professor’s long-standing philanthropic efforts as a key reason for his being sellable and social acceptability as a gubernatorial aspirant.

Ayanda cited himself as a direct beneficiary of free eye surgery provided by Sulaiman’s foundation, a gesture that has been extended to thousands across the state over the years.

Similarly, Alhaja Aminat Folake, former Chairperson of Oke-Ode LGA, congratulated Ajase Ward I for birthing a personality like Sulaiman.

Folake noted that he is the envy of every LGA in Kwara State, given his remarkable achievements professionally, nationally, and internationally.

According to her, the people of Oke-Ero are happy and ready to support him.

She said they believe he will build on the legacy of Governor AbdulRazaq come 2027.