…Backs Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Uba Sani

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

KADUNA — Former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani, has formally declared his intention to contest the Kaduna Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, while pledging support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani.

Zailani made the announcement on Saturday at Rigachikun Primary School in Igabi Local Government Area, describing his decision as a response to persistent calls from constituents, which he termed a “divine summons” to serve.

He said his ambition was driven by a desire to advance the interests of Kaduna Central and deliver effective representation, rather than personal gain.

Aligning with the current administration, Zailani referred to President Tinubu as his political mentor and urged supporters to adopt what he described as a “joint ticket” by backing his senatorial bid alongside the President’s second-term ambition and Governor Uba Sani’s re-election.

The former Speaker argued that the current administration has boosted federal allocations to northern states, attributing the increase to the removal of fuel subsidy. According to him, the improved revenues are sufficient to address key areas such as salary payments, infrastructure development, and security.

He, however, challenged state governors in the region to translate the increased allocations into visible, people-oriented projects.

“The President has fulfilled his constitutional responsibility by making funds available. The burden now lies with state governments to deliver meaningful development,” he said.

Zailani also cautioned public office holders against mismanagement of resources, urging accountability and prudence in the handling of public funds.

On agriculture, he called on the Federal Government to address rising fertilizer costs, proposing a subsidy that would reduce the price to about ₦15,000 per bag to support farmers and enhance food production. He noted that high input costs had limited output during the last planting season.

Dismissing speculations about any preferred or “anointed” candidates, Zailani expressed confidence that both President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani would support his senatorial ambition.

The declaration event concluded with a roadshow, as Zailani and his supporters moved from Rigachikun through major routes to the Stadium Roundabout to mobilise grassroots support.