A socio-political group, the Kwara Young Progressives Network (KYPN), has formally called on a renowned neurosurgeon and technocrat, Professor Wale Sulaiman, CON, to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The call was made on Monday during a press briefing addressed by the group’s Coordinator, Mr. Ololade Emmanuel, following what he described as “extensive consultations across communities in Kwara State and within the APC.”
In a statement made available to journalists, the group commended the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for what it described as “transformational leadership” since 2019, citing reforms in infrastructure, education, healthcare, governance, and public sector accountability.
According to the group, the achievements of the current administration have repositioned Kwara State and restored public confidence in governance, stressing that the next administration must consolidate and advance these gains.
“The Constitution of the APC guarantees open participation and competitive primaries for all qualified aspirants, irrespective of senatorial district,” the statement said, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Governor AbdulRazaq have consistently promoted inclusiveness and internal democracy within the party.
While acknowledging growing political activities ahead of 2027 as a normal democratic process, the group said it had undertaken a comparative assessment of emerging and potential aspirants across the three senatorial districts before arriving at its resolution.
“After careful evaluation, we are glad to publicly call on Professor Wale Sulaiman, CON, to enter the race and contest for the office of Governor of Kwara State in 2027,” the group declared.
The Network described Prof. Sulaiman as a candidate whose profile “stands out on merit, competence, and performance, not sentiment or regional entitlement.”
A globally respected neurosurgeon, academic, physician executive, and philanthropist, Prof. Sulaiman previously served as Special Adviser on Health Matters to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, where he contributed to health sector reforms and played a role in the state’s COVID-19 response.
At the federal level, he currently serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI). The group noted that his tenure has witnessed strengthened governance structures, accelerated infrastructural development, and the employment of over 200 Nigerians, including many Kwarans. He also serves on key committees under TETFund and the Federal Ministry of Education.
Internationally, the group highlighted Prof. Sulaiman’s experience in leading major healthcare institutions in the United States, managing large workforces and multi-million-dollar budgets, which it said are relevant to governing a modern state.
The statement also detailed his humanitarian interventions through the RNZ Foundation, including scholarships for over 3,000 students, empowerment of farmers, medical outreaches, free eye surgeries, revolving funds for market women, and community development projects across Kwara State.
President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier conferred on Prof. Sulaiman the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in recognition of his humanitarian services.
The group stressed that its call was not based on zoning, ethnicity, or sentiment but on what it termed “Kwara First,” anchored on competence, capacity, continuity, and character.
“We believe Prof. Wale Sulaiman can consolidate and advance the progressive legacy of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration,” the statement said, urging him to consult widely, reflect, and respond to the call of the people.
The Network also commended the APC leadership under President Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Agenda and called on party members to actively participate in the ongoing e-registration exercise.