2027: APC governorship aspirant Sulaiman pledges jobs, education reforms for Kwara

2026-03-15 - 06:26

By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Professor Wale Sulaiman, has unveiled a development agenda centred on job creation, education reforms, economic expansion and improved security as key pathways to the state’s next phase of development. Sulaiman, a professor of neurosurgery, outlined his vision during an interactive session with journalists in Ilorin on Saturday, where he expressed confidence in his capacity to succeed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in 2027. According to him, Kwara requires experienced leadership with strong administrative capacity and global exposure to sustain ongoing reforms and address the state’s socio-economic challenges. He said the state must begin preparing for the next phase of governance by identifying leaders with competence, experience and a proven track record. The aspirant commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for what he described as their efforts to reposition Nigeria and Kwara State, while praying for continued success for both leaders. “We must continue to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that God will grant him good health and wisdom to move Nigeria in the right direction,” he said. Sulaiman also praised the Kwara governor for what he termed his “excellent stewardship,” noting that some reforms require continuity to achieve long-term results. “Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is doing a fantastic job in trying to tackle many of these issues, but some of these challenges cannot be solved within eight years. That is why continuity and capable leadership are important,” he added. He noted that Nigeria and Kwara State still face challenges in key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure and security, stressing that the next leader must possess the competence and vision to address them effectively. Sulaiman urged the media and the public to evaluate the credentials and capacity of governorship aspirants rather than focusing solely on financial influence in politics. “You cannot hire a CEO to run a company without looking at the requirements. Leadership should not be about money alone; people must demonstrate that they are prepared and capable of delivering results,” he said. Highlighting his priorities, the APC aspirant identified job creation as the cornerstone of his proposed “prosperity agenda,” explaining that expanded economic opportunities would help reduce poverty and insecurity. According to him, sectors such as agriculture, mineral resources, tourism, infrastructure development and international partnerships could generate thousands of jobs for young people in the state. Sulaiman also stressed the critical role of education in social transformation, recounting how public investment in education enabled him to rise from a humble background to become a neurosurgeon. “I came from a humble background in the ghetto of Lagos. It was because of good governance and access to education that I had the opportunity to study abroad and become a neurosurgeon,” he said. He added that his vision is to create a Kwara where every child, regardless of background, can achieve success through quality education and equal opportunities. The aspirant further noted that improved economic opportunities would help address insecurity by reducing unemployment and frustration among young people. Sulaiman expressed support for the Federal Government’s economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that some economic indicators were beginning to show positive signs despite current challenges. He also urged youths and students in Kwara State to take advantage of the Federal Government’s student loan initiative, while calling for stronger collaboration between state and federal authorities to maximise opportunities for citizens. According to him, his proposed agenda represents a continuation and expansion of the development trajectory established by the current administration in the state. “This is essentially a continuation and validation of the legacy of the present administration, with new ideas that will move Kwara State to the next level,” he said. Sulaiman also encouraged professionals and Nigerians in the diaspora to participate more actively in politics and governance to help shape the nation’s future. He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s prospects, noting that the country possesses enormous talent across sectors such as healthcare, banking and sports. “We are one of the most talented people in the world, and Nigeria has the potential to become one of the best countries globally if we all play our part in nation-building,” he said.