By Erewunmi Peace

Renowned neurosurgeon and public policy advocate, Professor Wale Sulaiman (CON), has urged Nigerians to rise above tribal and religious sentiments in politics, stressing the need for a shift towards issue-based political engagement as a pathway to national development.

Prof. Sulaiman made this call while addressing supporters and concerned citizens on the state of the nation’s politics. He noted that Nigeria’s political culture has been deeply shaped by ethnicity and religion, warning that such divisions continue to hinder the country’s progress.

“For Nigeria to move forward, our politics must focus on ideas, competence, and solutions — not tribe or religion. Agitation and campaigns should be issue-based and driven by the common good,” he emphasized.

The professor, who is also the founder of the RNZ Global Foundation and a former Special Adviser on Health to the Kwara State Government, highlighted that sustainable development can only be achieved when voters evaluate leaders based on their policies, track record, and capacity to deliver results.

He further called on political leaders, youth groups, and civil society organizations to educate citizens on the value of civic participation rooted in fairness and objectivity, rather than identity politics.

“We must begin to ask the right questions — what policies will improve our education, healthcare, economy, and security? That’s how we build the Nigeria we all desire,” he added.

Prof. Sulaiman has consistently championed reforms in health, leadership ethics, and national development, combining his professional experience in medicine with active contributions to public policy and good governance advocacy.