…Reaffirms loyalty to Tinubu, APC
Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, on Tuesday, revealed why he withdrew from the Kwara State governorship race ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, saying the decision was guided by wisdom and responsibility to the state.
Sulaiman, who is the Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), gave this clarification on Tuesday, in a statement he personally signed and forwarded to journalists in Abuja.
He said that he decided to withdraw from the race after extensive consultations and recent political developments in the state, stressing that the move was not motivated by personal ambition but by a desire to serve Kwara’s broader interest.
Sulaiman, who is a former Minister of National Planning, also reaffirmed his loyalty and commitment to the ruling party and the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
The statement reads: “Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of engaging with citizens across our dear state. In those conversations, I encountered a shared hope for a safer, stronger, more united, and more prosperous Kwara State.
“It was this belief in the promise and potential of our state that inspired my decision to seek the governorship of Kwara State, not out of personal ambition, but from a sincere desire to contribute to the progress, unity, and development of our state.
“I remain deeply humbled by the encouragement, prayers, goodwill, and overwhelming support shown to me by Kwarans across Kwara North, Kwara South, and Kwara Central.
“After extensive consultations and recent developments, I have decided to withdraw from the gubernatorial race ahead of the forthcoming party primaries.
“This decision was not made lightly. However, I believe leadership must always be guided by wisdom, responsibility, and commitment to the greater good.
“While I may no longer be participating in this contest, my belief in the future of Kwara State remains unwavering. I also reaffirm my loyalty and commitment to our great party, the APC, and to the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“As a loyal party member and stakeholder, I remain committed to the success of the APC in the upcoming elections at all levels and will continue to support efforts aimed at strengthening our party and advancing peace, unity, and progress in Kwara State and Nigeria.
“To all my supporters, friends, and well-wishers, thank you for standing with me throughout this journey. Your goodwill will never be forgotten.
“This may mark the end of a political process, but not the end of our shared commitment to building a better Kwara State.”
