Nasarawa ex-accountant general joins gov race

A former Accountant General of Nasarawa State, Zakka Yakubu, has officially declared his intention to contest for the governorship of the state in the 2027 general elections.

Yakubu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in the state, is expected to join the governorship primaries slated for May 21, alongside Governor Abdullahi Sule’s preferred successor, Senator Ahmed Wadada, and a former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, among others.

Speaking at a mega rally organised by his supporters in Akwanga Local Government Area of the state on Sunday, Yakubu said his decision to join the race was in response to increasing calls for purposeful and people-oriented leadership capable of lifting citizens out of poverty.

He expressed optimism that he would emerge victorious in the forthcoming APC governorship primaries in the state, while reiterating his confidence in the party’s leadership to conduct free, fair, and credible primaries.

According to him, the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, were designed to improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians, but many states, including Nasarawa, had failed to translate the increased revenue into meaningful development for the people.

He, therefore, called on residents of the state to hold political leaders at both the state and local government levels accountable for the management of funds accruing from the removal of fuel subsidy.

Yakubu said, “President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms are targeted at improving the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians, especially the removal of the fuel subsidy.

“Nasarawa State receives over N18 billion monthly since the removal of the fuel subsidy, yet there is little to show for it. Poverty levels continue to rise, and the people deserve to know how these resources are being utilised,” he stated.

“As someone who understands the system, I know what comes into the state. Citizens have a responsibility to ask questions and demand accountability. We cannot continue to allow a few individuals to hijack resources meant for the collective good of the people,” he added.

The former accountant general lamented that many communities across Nasarawa State were yet to feel the impact of democracy and inclusive governance, despite the state’s vast human and natural resources.

He noted that his nearly three decades of experience in the civil service had equipped him with the knowledge and capacity to drive economic growth, create opportunities, and establish a government anchored on accountability, transparency, and equity.

The governorship aspirant also pledged to ensure that the state’s solid mineral resources are harnessed for the direct benefit of the people if elected.

“If given the opportunity to serve, we will ensure that our solid minerals are processed here in Nasarawa State. We cannot continue to allow foreigners to dominate and control our resources in the name of investment while our youths remain unemployed. The state is richly blessed, but these resources must work for the benefit of the people,” he said.

Speaking during the rally, a widow, Mrs Rakiya Hassan, described Yakubu as a compassionate leader who has consistently used his personal resources to support vulnerable members of society.

Also speaking, the State Director of the President Tinubu 4+4 Grassroots Mobilisation Movement, Wilson Kingsley, described Yakubu’s governorship ambition as a new chapter for ordinary citizens in the state.

Kingsley praised the aspirant’s selflessness and humanitarian disposition, pledging to intensify grassroots consultations and mobilisation efforts to enable him secure victory in the APC governorship primaries.

Our correspondent further reports that the rally marked the climax of a series of engagements the former accountant general has held with stakeholders, political groups, and community leaders across the state in preparation for his formal declaration to contest the governorship seat in 2027.