The Kwara Integrity Women Association (KIWA) has called on the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure a transparent and merit-based primary process for the 2027 general elections.

At a press conference held in Ilorin on Wednesday, the group also made a formal appeal to renowned neurosurgeon and technocrat, Professor Wale Sulaiman, to join the Kwara State governorship race. The group argued that as the state approaches a critical political transition, the focus must shift from regional zoning sentiments to leadership grounded in competence and performance.

The KIWA Chairperson, Hon. Hajia Aminat Folake Yusuf, stated that the appeal represents the collective voice of women across the state's three senatorial districts who are concerned about the future of healthcare, education, and rural infrastructure. She described Prof. Sulaiman as a globally respected academic and philanthropist whose credentials transcend sectional debates.

"From our homes to our marketplaces, a name is being whispered and now called with growing conviction, and that name is Professor Wale Sulaiman," Yusuf said. She urged the APC national leadership to prioritize candidates with proven track records to ensure the state continues on a path of sustainable development.

While acknowledged that political agitation for zoning is high, KIWA maintained that Kwara deserves a leader of "vision, integrity, and capability" regardless of their place of origin. The group concluded by urging Prof. Sulaiman to heed the maternal and communal call of Kwara women to serve.

"Professor Sulaiman is not new to governance and not new to the APC. His understanding of public service, party structures, and institutional leadership has been built over years of active engagement and responsibility," Yusuf stressed.

The women's group said its position was driven by concerns about the future of the state, including the need to sustain progress in healthcare, education, rural infrastructure, youth empowerment, and job creation.

"We are concerned about our children's future, healthcare delivery, rural roads, education and infrastructure. We want sustained empowerment and employment opportunities for our youth," the KIWA chairperson maintained.

Highlighting Sulaiman's international exposure, she noted that he had led major healthcare institutions in the United States, turned around underperforming systems, managed large and diverse workforces, and overseen budgets running into hundreds of millions of dollars.

"This is the calibre of leadership we believe that Kwara State deserves - leadership grounded in competence, vision, and a proven track record of results," she insisted.

The group also expressed confidence in his ability to strengthen security, promote transparent and accountable governance, and drive economic and infrastructural development across the state.

"We envision a Kwara where rural roads connect farmers to markets, affordable healthcare is accessible to every family, potable water flows in our communities, and our schools are equipped to nurture future leaders," Yusuf said.

She stressed that the call was not borne out of political pressure but what she described as a maternal and communal instinct to support a qualified leader capable of delivering inclusive development.

The group, therefore, urged Prof Sulaiman to heed the appeal of Kwara women and declare his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the APC.

"The time is now. The need is urgent. The choice is Professor Wale Sulaiman," she insisted.