In this second part of our Kwara APC gubernatorial aspirants analysis, we take a look at the second set of the leading contenders shaping the 2027 governorship race.
From technocrats with global experience to seasoned politicians and emerging legislative leaders, each aspirant brings a distinct profile to the table. This review goes beyond surface-level profiles, offering a balanced assessment of their backgrounds, strengths, potential limitations, and overall political viability within Kwara State’s evolving electoral landscape.
This is not about endorsements, but about informed analysis—understanding not just who is running, but who is truly positioned to lead.
As always, the goal is simple: to encourage thoughtful engagement and a more informed electorate.
Let’s get to it.
Prof. Olawale Suleiman (APC – Kwara South)
Profile
Professor Olawale Suleiman is a Canadian- and American-trained neurosurgeon, academic, and physician executive.
He is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Medical Director of RNZ Global Ltd, a healthcare development, operations, and management company established in 2010. He also serves as the Chief Medical Officer of RNZ Clinic.
Professor Suleiman has held several high-profile international roles, including:
- System Chairman of Neurosurgery and Co-Medical Director at the Ochsner Neuroscience Institute (USA)
- Medical Director, International Medicine (African Region), Ochsner Health System
- Professor of Neurosurgery at Tulane University
He is currently a Visiting Professor at the University of Ilorin and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Abuja.
In recognition of his leadership, he was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari on May 17, 2023, as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, Osun State.
At the state level, he served as Special Adviser on Health Matters to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, where he contributed to healthcare reforms and initiatives, including a state-backed programme that funded free surgeries for hundreds of residents.
Following extensive consultations across the state, Professor Suleiman declared his intention to contest the governorship, citing his experience, global exposure, and track record as key strengths.
Strengths
- Strong international experience in healthcare leadership and administration
- Proven track record in system reform and institutional development
- Technocratic competence with global exposure
- Credibility in policy, healthcare, and human capital development
- Appeal among professionals, youth, and reform-minded voters
Potential Weaknesses
- Limited grassroots political structure compared to career politicians
- Perceived as more technocratic than politically entrenched
- May need stronger local political alliances to compete effectively
Political Outlook
Professor Suleiman represents a technocratic and reform-driven candidacy, bringing global expertise into the local political space.
His appeal lies in competence, credibility, and vision for systemic change. However, his success will largely depend on his ability to build strong grassroots support and navigate the complexities of party politics in Kwara State.
Scorecard
- Political Structure: 5/10
- Experience & Competence: 7/10
- Public Appeal: 6/10
- Electability: 6/10
- Momentum: 4/10
Total Score: 28/50
Quick Insight
A highly competent, reform-oriented candidate with strong international credentials. If he successfully bridges the gap between technocratic expertise and grassroots political structure, he could emerge as a compelling alternative in the race.
Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe (APC – Kwara Central)
Profile
Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe is a Nigerian medical doctor, politician, and philanthropist with extensive experience in both healthcare and public service.
He obtained his MBBS degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1985, and has since undertaken several professional and executive training programmes in areas such as health policy, leadership, project management, and change management, including programmes at Oxford University.
Oloriegbe began his political career in the Kwara State House of Assembly, where he served as:
- Majority Leader (1999–2003)
- Chairman, House Committee on Health
- Chairman, House Committee on Local Government
He later contested the Kwara Central Senatorial seat in 2011 but lost to Bukola Saraki. However, he made a strong comeback in 2019, defeating Saraki to become Senator representing Kwara Central.
In 2022, he lost his re-election bid at the APC primaries to Saliu Mustapha. Subsequently, on March 30, 2025, he was appointed Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Strengths
- Extensive legislative experience at both state and federal levels
- Strong background in healthcare policy and administration
- Proven electoral strength (notably defeating a political heavyweight in 2019)
- Recognised technocrat with governance experience
- National relevance through recent federal appointment
Potential Weaknesses
- Recent loss in party primaries may indicate weakened intra-party support
- Political influence may fluctuate depending on APC internal dynamics
- Needs to rebuild momentum and grassroots structure
Political Outlook
Dr. Oloriegbe combines technocratic expertise with significant political experience. His past electoral victory against a major political figure underscores his capacity as a serious contender.
However, his current viability will depend on his ability to rebuild political alliances, strengthen his grassroots base, and leverage his national appointment into renewed political momentum within Kwara State.
Scorecard
- Political Structure: 6/10
- Experience & Competence: 7/10
- Public Appeal: 6/10
- Electability: 6/10
- Momentum: 4/10
Total Score: 29/50
Quick Insight
A seasoned politician with strong credentials and proven electoral capability. If he successfully regains political momentum and consolidates support within the party, he could re-emerge as a formidable contender.
Hon. Salihu Yakubu-Danladi (APC – Kwara North)
Profile
Hon. Salihu Yakubu-Danladi (born May 31, 1985) is a Nigerian engineer and politician, currently serving as the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly. He was first elected into the Assembly in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, representing the Ilesha-Gwanara constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A second-term legislator, Yakubu-Danladi has established himself as a key figure in the state’s legislative arm, rising to the position of Speaker in the 9th Assembly.
His political journey began through student activism, where he developed early leadership skills. He served as:
- Secretary, National Union of Baruten Students (Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter)
- Secretary, National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS)
He later transitioned into broader political involvement, including:
- Kwara North Coordinator, Buhari Campaign Organisation (2011)
- Kwara North Youth Coordinator for a PDP gubernatorial campaign (2015)
Before fully entering politics, he worked at the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) from 2010 to 2018, after which he resigned to pursue elective office.
Strengths
- Strong legislative experience as a sitting Speaker
- Youthful leadership with grassroots political roots
- Deep connection to Kwara North political base
- Experience in political mobilisation and campaign structures
- Growing influence within APC at the state level
Potential Weaknesses
- Limited executive governance experience
- Influence may be more regional than statewide
- Needs to expand visibility beyond legislative role
Political Outlook
Yakubu-Danladi represents a new generation of political leadership with a strong foundation in grassroots mobilisation and legislative governance.
His position as Speaker gives him visibility and institutional relevance, particularly in Kwara North. However, his transition from legislative leadership to a statewide executive role will require broader political alliances and increased statewide recognition.
Scorecard
- Political Structure: 7/10
- Experience & Competence: 4/10
- Public Appeal: 4/10
- Electability: 4/10
- Momentum: 6/10
Total Score: 25/50
Quick Insight
A rising political figure with strong grassroots and legislative credentials. If he successfully expands his influence beyond Kwara North and builds wider statewide appeal, he could become a serious contender in the race.
Prof. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman (APC – Kwara Central)
Profile
Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman is a Nigerian academic and public administrator with extensive experience in governance and policy development.
He is currently the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), a position he has held since 2019 and was reappointed to in 2023.
Prof. Sulaiman previously served as Minister of National Planning between July 2014 and May 2015, where he contributed to national development strategy and policy coordination.
He is also a Professor of Political Science at the University of Abuja and has over two decades of experience in teaching and research. In 2023, he completed a Certificate in Public Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School.
At NILDS, he has led efforts to strengthen legislative capacity, training lawmakers at both state and national levels, while also facilitating international collaborations.
Strengths
- Strong academic and intellectual background in governance and policy
- Experience at the highest level of government (former Minister)
- Deep understanding of legislative processes and democratic institutions
- Leadership experience at NILDS with national and international exposure
- Seen as a policy-driven and reform-oriented candidate
Potential Weaknesses
- Limited grassroots political structure compared to career politicians
- May be perceived as more academic than politically dynamic
- Needs broader name recognition among general voters
Political Outlook
Professor Sulaiman represents a technocratic and policy-oriented candidacy, with a strong foundation in governance, research, and institutional leadership.
His strength lies in intellectual depth and experience in public administration. However, his political viability will depend on his ability to translate these strengths into grassroots appeal and build a strong political network within Kwara State.
Scorecard
- Political Structure: 6/10
- Experience & Competence: 6/10
- Public Appeal: 5/10
- Electability: 5/10
- Momentum: 5/10
Total Score: 27/50
Quick Insight
A highly experienced and intellectually grounded candidate with strong policy credentials. If he successfully builds grassroots political support and increases public visibility, he could emerge as a credible technocratic option in the race.
Lanre Issa-Onilu (APC – Kwara Central)
Profile
Lanre Issa-Onilu is a Nigerian communications strategist, journalist, and public affairs expert with over two decades of experience in media, corporate communications, and political strategy.
He studied Mass Communication at the University of Lagos and furthered his education in Integrated Marketing Communications at West Virginia University, USA. He has also attended advanced programmes in public relations and media research at New York University and participated in global communications training, including engagements with the World Advertising Research Council (WARC) in London.
Issa-Onilu began his career in journalism, working with media organisations such as The Comet, Daily Trust, and The Sun Newspapers. He later transitioned into public relations and political communications, building a reputation as a strategic communicator and crisis management expert.
Lanre Issa-Onilu served as National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from 2018 to 2020.
He currently serves as Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Strengths
- Deep expertise in political communication and media strategy
- Strong national visibility and recognition
- Experience within top party leadership (APC spokesperson role)
- Broad network across media, government, and political stakeholders
- Strong messaging and narrative-building capability
Potential Weaknesses
- Limited executive governance experience
- May be perceived more as a strategist than a traditional political operator
- Grassroots political structure may need strengthening
Political Outlook
Lanre Issa-Onilu represents a strategic and communication-driven candidacy, with strengths in messaging, public engagement, and political positioning.
His ability to shape narratives and connect with the public gives him a unique advantage. However, his viability in a gubernatorial race would depend on building a strong grassroots structure and translating communication strength into electoral support.
Scorecard
- Political Structure: 5/10
- Experience & Competence: 5/10
- Public Appeal: 4/10
- Electability: 4/10
- Momentum: 5/10
Total Score: 25/50
Quick Insight
A highly skilled political communicator with strong national exposure and influence. If he successfully converts strategic expertise into grassroots political strength, he could emerge as a competitive contender.
✨ Closing
As the Kwara APC governorship race continues to take shape, the eventual outcome will likely hinge not just on individual credentials, but on strategy, alliances, and grassroots connection. While some aspirants stand out for their technocratic expertise and others for their political experience, the race remains open and dynamic.
Ultimately, the decision rests with party stakeholders and, eventually, the electorate—making informed engagement more important than ever. As more names emerge and the political landscape evolves, the conversation must continue.
This analysis will continue in subsequent parts, where we will expand the scope to include other aspirants and take a deeper look at how these candidates compare across party lines and political realities.
For now, the responsibility remains with us—to stay informed, ask the right questions, and look beyond surface-level narratives.
Because in the end, leadership is not just about who runs…
it is about who is truly ready
💛From the Editor’s Desk
Now let me leave you with this…
Not every loud candidate is a strong candidate.
And not every quiet one should be ignored 👀
Look beyond the noise.
Ask questions.
Pay attention.
Because at the end of the day, the future of Kwara will not be decided by politicians alone…
it will be decided by informed people.
Think about it.
With sense, sharp eyes, and small small wisdom,
Aunty Lulu 💛
Read Part 1 here
It’s worth asking why the same grading criteria used in Part 1 was not applied in Part 2? Can we say the absence of grading in Part 2 suggest that the aspirants featured in part 2 are less qualified to those in part 1?
It’s back. Thank you.