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Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), has expressed support for the consensus arrangement being considered by the ruling party ahead of the governorship election in Kwara State, urging party leaders to adopt clear benchmarks in selecting the most competent aspirant.
Sulaiman, a former Minister of National Planning under former President Goodluck Jonathan, spoke with journalists in Abuja on Sunday shortly after undergoing the party’s governorship screening exercise.
The professor described the screening as smooth and thorough, noting that the panel members were familiar with his background and experience.
“It went very well and they were very thorough,” he said.
Speaking on the issue of consensus candidature, Sulaiman maintained that consensus remains part of democratic principles, provided that the party establishes transparent criteria for evaluating aspirants.
According to him, aspirants should be assessed based on pedigree, experience, competence and other measurable standards before any consensus decision is reached.
“The party should set a benchmark, minimum standard for all aspirants in their evaluation for who the best person should be or who should be the flag bearer of the party at the state level,” he stated.
“As long as the benchmark is set and known to all the aspirants, there is nothing wrong with consensus. Consensus is part of democratic principles encouraged in internal democratic practice.”
However, the former minister expressed concern that party leaders in Kwara had yet to convene a meeting involving all governorship aspirants to discuss harmonisation and possible consensus arrangements.
He said the state chapter remained one of the few yet to organise such engagement among contenders.
“I wish the party before now could have called aspirants together for a meeting so that we can agree on consensus. We are the only state, to the best of my knowledge, that is yet to convene a meeting of all the aspirants so that they can talk to one another and agree on who the person should be,” he added.
Sulaiman further pledged loyalty to the party’s decision, stressing that he remained open to discussions and consultations aimed at strengthening unity within the party.
“As for me, whatever they are to discuss with us, I’m ready to listen to them. Where I believe the party is going, that is where I stand,” he said.
Highlighting his credentials, Sulaiman urged party stakeholders and members to consider the track records and achievements of aspirants before making their choice.
He pointed to his previous service as Minister of National Planning, his academic career as a university lecturer, and his seven-year stewardship at NILDS as evidence of his capacity and leadership experience.
“My scorecards are there for people to see. Talk about youth inclusivity, gender inclusivity, infrastructure, human capital development and workers’ welfare — what I have done is there for Nigerians to assess,” he said.
He added that the party should ultimately select its candidate based on competence, credibility and proven performance rather than rhetoric.
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