In Nigeria’s ever-evolving political landscape, few figures have navigated the corridors of power with the strategic agility of Professor Abubakar O. Sulaiman. Widely known as Amana, the seasoned academic-turned-public servant has led a fascinating career marked by intellectual depth, administrative competence, and, more recently, political maneuvers that have stirred conversations across Kwara State and beyond.

Professor Sulaiman first rose to national prominence in 2014 when he was appointed Minister of National Planning under the Goodluck Jonathan administration. He concurrently served as Deputy Chairman of the National Economic Council, placing him at the heart of Nigeria’s economic policy formulation. At the time, he was a loyal member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), widely regarded as a technocrat with clear vision and allegiance to his political mentors.

However, the 2015 general elections marked a seismic shift in Nigeria’s political environment. With the ascent of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Sulaiman’s political orientation changed accordingly. In 2014, he defected from the PDP to the APC, following his political benefactor, Senator Bukola Saraki, who had fallen out with President Jonathan.

Again in 2018, when Saraki and then-Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed returned to the PDP, Sulaiman followed suit. Saraki notably explained his defection by referencing those who had entrusted him with their political futures; a circle that included Sulaiman. Critics argue that this period exemplified the essence of “money politics” and power consolidation that often defined the Saraki-led political network in Kwara.

Although Saraki lost out in the national political game in 2019, he secured Sulaiman an appointment as Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). His reappointment in 2023 was reportedly facilitated through a quiet agreement between Saraki and then-Senate President Ahmad Lawan. The rising budgetary allocation to NILDS under the presidency underscores the political capital the institute now commands, so much so that some have dubbed it the “political ATM” of Nigerian politicians.

Today, Amana finds himself at the intersection of three power centers: the enduring influence of Saraki, the new leadership of the National Assembly, and the political priorities of the 2023 presidency. With the NILDS budget doubling in 2024 and tripling in 2025, his role remains both strategic and scrutinized.

Yet political winds in Kwara are shifting. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, known for his quiet but watchful approach, looms large. In a bid to safeguard his political survival, Sulaiman reportedly took counsel from his advisers who urged him to sever ties with Saraki and defect to the APC. It was a calculated move, one that seemed to work. But in politics, success is rarely final, and AbdulRazaq remains a master of subtle political maneuvering. That, however, is a story for another day.

With the powerful and state support of the  Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Amana has once again found a foothold within the APC, a move many see as driven more by self-preservation than ideology.

Once a steadfast Sarakite, Sulaiman’s break from his long-time mentor raised pressing questions about loyalty, ideology, and ambition. His defection to the APC, followed by his continued leadership at NILDS, is widely perceived as a strategic repositioning rather than an ideological realignment.

Looking ahead to 2027, signs suggest that Sulaiman may be eyeing elective office, either a seat in the House of Representatives or a senatorial bid for Kwara Central. However, such ambitions are met with skepticism by constituents who view his potential candidacy as disruptive to the current trajectory of leadership.

In Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency and across Kwara Central, representatives such as Hon. Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya and Senator Saliu Mustapha have earned widespread praise for their performance in legislative duties, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and human capital advancement. For many observers, Sulaiman’s potential bid to unseat these performing lawmakers appears not just self-serving but regressive.

If Professor Sulaiman genuinely seeks to serve the people, he would do better aligning with the momentum already underway rather than opposing it. Having held prominent positions since 2014, his refusal to make way for fresh leadership raises concerns about political entitlement and the monopolization of public roles.

Another contentious aspect of his political style lies in his over-reliance on financial patronage. His public relations strategies often highlight generosity over governance, fueling perceptions that his popularity is built more on cash handouts than credible legacy. In an era of growing political awareness and skepticism, this short-term tactic could have long-term ramifications.

Even his educational pedigree, B.A. from Ahmadu Bello University, M.A. in International Relations & Strategic Studies from the University of Jos, and a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Abuja, reveals a brilliant academic, but one arguably disconnected from the nuanced cultural and religious dynamics that shape Kwara politics. Still, learning is a lifelong journey, and he may yet find a way to bridge that gap.

Kwara State stands at a critical juncture. Its path forward demands leadership rooted in continuity, transparency, and people-centered governance. Professor Abubakar O. Sulaiman, for all his credentials, must now ask himself whether his aspirations for 2027 serve the public good or simply the perpetuation of personal power.

Politics, at its best, should be about service, not entitlement. And the time is not right yet, his political ambition is a clog to Kwara political evolution.


Ambali Awwal is a political analyst from Oloje, Ilorin West. (ambawwal@gmail.com)