Akande Endorses Wale Sulaiman, Signals Shift in Kwara APC Calculus

Elder statesman and founding chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bisi Akande, has endorsed Professor Wale Sulaiman’s governorship ambition, describing him as a leader equipped with the “exposure, composure, and system-thinking” needed to tackle deep-rooted governance challenges in Nigeria.

Akande, a former Governor of Osun State and a leading figure in Nigeria’s progressive political tradition inspired by Obafemi Awolowo, is widely regarded as a moral compass within the APC. His backing is seen as a major boost to Sulaiman’s standing ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

According to sources, Akande stressed that many Nigerian states are burdened by systemic inefficiencies and require leaders with the intellectual depth and administrative discipline to drive structural reforms.

Professor Sulaiman, an internationally accomplished neurosurgeon and public policy advocate, has been gaining traction within party ranks as a consensus builder with cross-regional appeal. His supporters argue that his technocratic approach aligns with the progressive ideals of competence, planning, and institutional renewal.

Akande’s endorsement is expected to influence party stakeholders, particularly among delegates who prioritize experience, ideological alignment, and governance capacity.

Political analysts say the development could reshape the dynamics within the Kwara APC, positioning Sulaiman as a formidable contender in the race for the party’s governorship ticket.