By: AbdulHafeez Oyewole
A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Prof. Wale Sulaiman, has declared that the choice of the state’s next governor should be determined by competence and the ability to solve problems rather than by zoning considerations.
Sulaiman, a renowned neurosurgeon and recipient of the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), made the assertion on Saturday during a media parley with members of the Guild of Digital Journalists (GDJ) and other media practitioners at his residence in Pipeline line area of Ilorin, the state capital.
At the engagement, which formed part of his consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship election, the aspirant unveiled his development blueprint titled “Kwara State Prosperity Agenda.” The plan, he explained, is designed to promote inclusive governance, economic growth and equitable development across the 16 local government areas of the state.
Sulaiman emphasised that leadership selection in the state should prioritise capacity and proven ability to address governance challenges rather than regional considerations.
According to him, “Zoning should not be the yardstick for choosing a governor. What the state requires is someone with the capacity, capability and a competent team to move Kwara forward and solve its pressing problems.”
The aspirant expressed confidence in his credentials, citing his professional experience and exposure at both national and international levels as qualities that make him well suited to lead the state.
“With my interaction both internationally and nationally, I believe I am well positioned to run the affairs of Kwara State,” he said, stressing that effective administration and strategic leadership would be required to sustain development in the state.
Sulaiman commended the efforts of the current administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, noting that the government had made progress in several areas, particularly in maintaining relative stability in the state. He added, however, that the next phase of governance would require expanded ideas and stronger administrative expertise to consolidate on existing achievements.
He identified unemployment, insecurity and poverty as major issues confronting the state and the country at large, explaining that his administration would focus on job creation, economic empowerment and improved social services.
Sulaiman noted that insecurity is a nationwide concern and advocated community-driven approaches to addressing the problem. He expressed support for the creation of state police and called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, local vigilante groups and communities.
“Insecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Communities must take security seriously while government strengthens collaboration with local structures,” he said.
The APC aspirant also highlighted the economic potential of Kwara State, particularly its natural resources and agricultural capacity, noting that responsible mining and investment in infrastructure could generate significant employment opportunities.
“Kwara is richly endowed with mineral resources. However, mining activities must translate into tangible benefits for the people, whether through job creation or contributions to the state’s revenue,” he stated, while condemning illegal mining activities.
Under the proposed “Kwara State Prosperity Agenda,” Sulaiman pledged to prioritise infrastructure development, quality healthcare, education and economic diversification, especially in agriculture and private sector partnerships capable of generating thousands of jobs.
He further stressed that development under his administration would be guided by equity rather than uniform distribution of resources, explaining that different communities have different needs that must be addressed through targeted interventions.
“The state capital often receives the most attention in terms of infrastructure. Our focus will be equitable development, ensuring that resources go to areas where they are most needed,” he said.
The aspirant also spoke extensively on the importance of education, recalling how opportunities created during the administration of former Lagos State governor Lateef Jakande influenced his own career trajectory.
“I dream of a Kwara where the child of nobody can become somebody,” he added.
Sulaiman expressed support for the programmes of the APC-led Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly initiatives such as the student loan scheme, which he said could expand educational opportunities for young Nigerians if effectively utilised by states.
While reiterating his confidence in the APC as the best platform for development, he urged the party’s leadership in Kwara to consider candidates with broad administrative experience capable of delivering good governance.
He also acknowledged the critical role of the media in democratic governance, describing journalists as the “fourth estate of the realm” and essential partners in ensuring transparency and accountability.
According to him, stronger collaboration between government and the media would enhance public trust and improve governance outcomes.
Factual Naija News reports that the media parley provided an opportunity for journalists and other stakeholders to interact directly with the aspirant on issues relating to governance priorities and the political landscape ahead of the 2027 election in Kwara State.
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