By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Prof. Wale Sulaiman, an aspirant in the 2027 Kwara governorship race, has dismissed rumours of a consensus candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in the state.
Sulaiman, who addressed supporters and party members in Ilorin, said no consensus candidate had emerged for the party’s governorship ticket, adding that he remained a strong contender in the race.
According to him, the process for adopting a consensus candidate is clearly stated in the APC constitution and the Electoral Act.
“I want the public to know that no consensus candidate has been chosen and the process for choosing one is clearly defined in the constitution of our great party.
“It is also clearly stated in the Electoral Act that for there to be a consensus candidate, all aspirants must sign an undertaking indicating that they are stepping down.
“They must also endorse the consensus candidate. If that process is not followed, every other thing being said is mere rumour,” he said.
The neurosurgeon expressed confidence that the leadership of the party would abide by constitutional provisions and due process.
“I trust the leadership of the party to follow the APC constitution because we are law-abiding people.
“We abide by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and, for now, no consensus candidate has been chosen,” Sulaiman said.
He said that if elected governor, his administration would focus on improving healthcare, education, infrastructure, security and poverty reduction.
Sulaiman commended the administration of Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for its achievements across various sectors, saying his goal would be to sustain and build on the existing progress.
“The present administration under Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has done a lot in the sectors I mentioned, but we need to continue the progress and I believe I am well qualified to do that,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that under Nigeria’s Electoral Act and APC guidelines, a consensus candidate can only emerge if all aspirants voluntarily agree and formally endorse one person.
However, there are strong political permutations and discussions within the Kwara APC around zoning, elite endorsements and possible consensus arrangements, especially as multiple aspirants position themselves ahead of the primaries.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
