By 
As Kwara State approaches the crucial 2027 gubernatorial elections, one name shines brightly among the crowd of aspirants: Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman (AMANA). A man of exceptional academic brilliance, extensive public service experience, and an unwavering commitment to community development, Professor Sulaiman embodies the transformative leadership Kwara State urgently needs.
While others dominate the media with hollow promises and self-promotion, Professor Sulaiman’s impactful work and quiet achievements speak volumes. From his humble beginnings in Ilorin to his current role as the Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), his journey is an evidence to resilience, competence, and a lifelong dedication to uplifting others.
Professor Sulaiman’s academic credentials stand unparalleled among his peers. With a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Abuja, a Master’s degree in International and Strategic Studies from the University of Jos, and a Certificate in Public Leadership from the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School, he is intellectually prepared to address the challenges of governance. His academic foundation equips him with the critical thinking and strategic vision necessary to propel Kwara State into a new era of development.
Over two decades of impactful teaching and research at the University of Abuja highlights Professor Sulaiman’s commitment to education. Remarkably, he served as a lecturer for seven years without receiving a salary, driven solely by his passion for shaping young minds. As the first indigene of Ilorin to hold a lecturing position at the institution, he blazed a trail for others to follow. This selflessness and dedication to education highlight his focus on the collective good rather than personal gain.
During his tenure as Minister of National Planning, Professor Sulaiman demonstrated remarkable competence, achieving significant milestones under challenging circumstances. Serving during the turbulent final months of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, he facilitated the approval of two critical policy frameworks essential to Nigeria’s economic development. Beyond policymaking, he directly impacted Kwara State, securing over 100 federal civil service jobs for Kwarans, thereby improving the economic prospects of countless families.
Professor Sulaiman’s philanthropic initiatives represents his deep commitment to empowering the youth of Kwara State. From sponsoring over 700 JAMB forms for students to supporting educational pursuits across the state, he has consistently invested in the future of young people. These actions stand in stark contrast to other aspirants whose contributions to the state remain vague or nonexistent.
Since his appointment as Director General of NILDS in 2019, Professor Sulaiman has transformed the institute into a center of excellence for legislative studies and democratic development in Nigeria. Under his leadership, NILDS has trained numerous legislators and strengthened democratic institutions, showcasing his ability to lead effectively and implement impactful policies. This experience uniquely positions him to drive sustainable development and good governance in Kwara State.
Professor Sulaiman’s ambition to govern Kwara State is rooted in a genuine desire to address pressing issues such as unemployment and youth idleness. His vision includes:
1. Economic Growth: Drawing on his expertise in national planning to attract investments and create job opportunities.
2. Youth Empowerment: Building on his history of supporting education by initiating sustainable programmmes for skill acquisition and development.
3. Good Governance: Leveraging his experience at NILDS to implement policies that promote transparency, accountability, and people-centered leadership.
Unlike many politicians who thrive on media stunts and superficial popularity, Professor Sulaiman allows his work to speak for itself. His humility, though sometimes mistaken for inactivity, is a reflection of his focus on delivering tangible results rather than empty rhetoric. Unlike his peers, whose résumés are often padded with unverified claims, Professor Sulaiman’s achievements are concrete, measurable, and impactful.
As the 2027 elections approach, Kwarans must critically evaluate the kind of leadership the state needs. Do they want recycled promises from loud but unproven politicians, or do they want a leader with a proven track record, a clear vision, and a genuine passion for progress?
Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman is not just an aspirant; he is a movement for meaningful change. His exceptional qualifications, remarkable achievements, and unwavering commitment to the people make him the best candidate to lead Kwara State into a brighter future.
Let us choose substance over noise, competence over mediocrity, and progress over empty promises. The journey to a better Kwara State begins with Professor Sulaiman in 2027.
*Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman (AMANA) Political Media Team*
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