The former Special Adviser on Health Matters in Kwara State, Wale Sulaiman, has declared intention for the 2027 governorship race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging to build on existing reforms and promote unity across the state.

Sulaiman made the declaration during the week in Ilorin, where he also unveiled his policy blueprint, “Kwara Prosperity Agenda,” which he said would focus on inclusive development, innovation, and bridging gaps across the three senatorial districts.

Sulaiman, who emerged as a prominent figure during the 2023 Kwara South senatorial contest, has an impactful service and professional accomplishment to his record, having left notable marks during his time in Governor AbdulRazaq’s government in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Professor of Neurosurgery at Tulane University that once held key leadership positions within the Ochsner Health System in New Orleans, United States, where he functioned as System Chairman of Neurosurgery and Co-Medical Director of a Neuroscience Institute, said his ambition was driven by a desire to consolidate on the achievements of the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, particularly in the health sector.

He recalled that as an aide to Governor AbdulRazaq, he worked closely with the state government and other critical stakeholders to develop strategies that helped curb the spread of COVID-19, noting in particular: “one of the enduring interventions during that period was the restoration of the long-abandoned oxygen plant at Sobi Specialist Hospital, which had been inactive for nearly a decade.”

He told newsmen that beyond infrastructure rehabilitation, “I also proposed a comprehensive healthcare master plan to improve access to affordable and quality medical services across the state.

“The plan included initiatives to transform the Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre into a medical tourism hub capable of attracting patients and medical partnerships from within and outside Nigeria,” he added.

Sulaiman emphasised the need for unity within the APC, describing cohesion among party stakeholders as essential for electoral success and governance stability.

Noting that he remains committed to fostering inclusiveness and maintaining cordial relationships across different blocs within the party, he said: “Kwara deserves a unifier, not a divider,” adding that his mission is to strengthen the party and advance collective interests ahead of future elections.

He also highlighted his political experience and grassroots support, noting that he had previously been on the ballot and secured over 27,000 votes, which he described as a reflection of his growing acceptability among the electorate.

The medical expert has pledged to deploy his years of global experience and deep commitment to improving the welfare of the people of Kwara State.

Sulaiman may also be considered for his significant role in strengthening the relationship between the Kwara State government and Kwarans living abroad when Diaspora associations were harmonised into a unified body later named: Kwarans in Diaspora (KID), which subsequently collaborated with the state government on several developmental initiatives.

Political observers say his declaration formally positions him among early contenders in the state’s 2027 governorship race, with his campaign expected to focus on his record in public service, party engagement, and policy direction.