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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Nasarawa Ex-Accountant General Joins Governorship Race

From The Punch · (6h ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Former Nasarawa State Accountant General Zakka Yakubu has declared his intention to run for governor in the 2027 general elections.
  • Yakubu criticized the state government's management of increased revenues post-fuel subsidy removal, citing rising poverty levels.
  • He aims to bring purposeful, people-oriented leadership focused on accountability and transparency, leveraging his civil service experience.

Nasarawa State is gearing up for a potentially dynamic gubernatorial contest in 2027, with former Accountant General Zakka Yakubu throwing his hat into the ring. Yakubu's declaration signals a challenge to the status quo, as he positions himself as a champion for "purposeful and people-oriented leadership" capable of addressing the state's pressing issues, particularly poverty.

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

— Zakka YakubuYakubu's statement on the economic reforms and their intended impact.

A significant plank of Yakubu's platform is his critique of the current administration's handling of state finances. He pointedly questioned how Nasarawa State, which receives over N18 billion monthly since the removal of the fuel subsidy, has failed to translate this windfall into tangible development. This resonates with citizens who are experiencing rising poverty despite increased state revenue, highlighting a demand for greater accountability from political leaders.

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.

— Zakka YakubuYakubu's criticism of the state government's financial management and its impact on poverty.

Yakubu's background as a seasoned civil servant with nearly three decades of experience is presented as a key asset. He asserts that his intimate understanding of the system will enable him to drive economic growth, foster opportunities, and establish a government rooted in transparency and equity. His candidacy taps into a desire for competent governance and effective resource management, promising a departure from what he implies has been a mismanagement of the state's collective resources.

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.

— Zakka YakubuYakubu's call for citizen engagement in demanding accountability for state resources.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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