2027: NILDS DG Prof Sulaiman Joins Kwara Governorship Race

By Oluwakemi Kindness

Ilorin — The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Prof. Sulaiman made the declaration on while featuring as a guest on Gbagede Ara, a flagship breakfast programme on SBS Radio, a move that has stirred political conversations across the state.

Declaring his ambition, the political scientist said his aspiration is driven by a desire to consolidate and expand the achievements of the current administration in the state.

“My vision is to build on the legacies of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for continuity and sustainable development in Kwara State,” he said.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, describing himself as a committed party man with deep-rooted allegiance.

“My flesh, blood, water and body are DNA-certified for APC,” Prof. Sulaiman declared.

The NILDS Director-General said his experience in governance, academia and public service uniquely positions him for the governorship race, noting that leadership should be based on competence rather than sentiment.

“The credentials required for this race include integrity, transformative leadership and a solid understanding of governance, both in theory and practice,” he said.

“These are qualities I have consistently demonstrated in public service.”

Prof. Sulaiman also warned against excessive focus on zoning or senatorial origins in the selection of the APC’s flagbearer, urging party stakeholders to prioritise credibility and capacity.

“The dichotomy of senatorial identities should be de-emphasised. What Kwara needs is a bona fide Kwaran, regardless of whether the person comes from the North, South or Central,” he said.

He stressed that the next governor must be someone who understands the state’s values, traditions and cultural diversity, and who has earned the trust of the people.

“Anyone who appreciates our value system, respects our culture and has passed the integrity test among the people deserves to be considered,” he added.

Reflecting on his political journey, Prof. Sulaiman said his involvement in politics dates back to 1993 when he contested for the chairmanship of the former Ilorin Local Government.

“The time has come to teach our people how to fish rather than continue giving them fish,” he said, while challenging other aspirants to present their records of impactful leadership.

The declaration has added momentum to the emerging contest for the APC governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections in Kwara State.