World-renowned neurosurgeon and national honouree, Wale Sulaiman, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State, ending months of speculation over his political ambition.
Sulaiman made the declaration on Friday at his Ajase-Ipo Ward I in Irepodun Local Government Area, during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting with party leaders and executives.
Addressing the gathering, the medical practitioner said his decision followed years of consultations and careful reflection across communities and interest groups in the state.
“It is not yet time for campaigns. We will do the needful once INEC gives the go-ahead. Today, I am here to formally express my interest in contesting for the office of Governor in 2027,” he said.
Sulaiman noted that he had closely followed the activities of other aspirants across the state, adding that his experience, exposure and track record placed him in a strong position to lead Kwara.
He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for what he described as commendable performance since assuming office in 2019, stressing the need for continuity and leadership capacity to sustain the administration’s achievements.
According to him, Kwara requires a leader with strong local and international networks to consolidate on the current developmental strides.
Speaking at the meeting, a former Commissioner for Water Resources, Bolaji Khaleel, said no other aspirant possessed the qualities and competence to build on AbdulRazaq’s legacy like Professor Sulaiman.
Similarly, a former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly between 1979 and 1983, Abdulkarim Oladipo Kadiri, recalled how communities during the 2023 campaigns described Sulaiman as having governorship stature rather than senatorial credentials.
“They said openly that Professor Sulaiman’s personality was above a senatorial seat and that he had clear qualities of a governor,” he said.
Also speaking, a former Special Adviser to the governor from Isin Local Government Area, Mr Sunday Awoyemi, said Sulaiman’s entry into the race had reshaped political calculations in the state.
“Even though we had an aspirant from our local government, the emergence of Professor Sulaiman leaves us with no option but to support him. He is the best hand for the job,” he said.
Sulaiman, a philanthropist known for his medical outreach programmes and infrastructural interventions across Kwara communities, has in recent years gained strong grassroots followership.
His declaration adds momentum to early political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, as several aspirants position themselves to succeed Governor AbdulRazaq, who is in his second term.
