ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A former Accountant-General of Nasarawa State, Dr. Zakka Yakubu, has formally entered the race for the 2027 governorship election, pledging a people-centred administration anchored on inclusive budgeting and grassroots participation.
Yakubu made his declaration on Sunday in Akwanga, during a political rally where he announced his intention to seek the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), drawing supporters and party stakeholders from across the state.
He said his government, if elected, would ensure that citizens directly influence how public funds are allocated, insisting that development must reflect real community needs rather than top-down planning.
Explaining his “people’s budget” idea, Yakubu said local representatives would play a central role in identifying priorities.
“Councillors will go to their wards and ask the people what they want, and it will form part of the budget,” he said.
He argued that lawmakers and community leaders must be more engaged with constituents to avoid what he described as “mismatched development priorities,” where government projects do not reflect urgent local needs.
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Yakubu stressed that his administration would avoid wasteful spending on projects with little impact on citizens’ welfare, saying the focus would be on practical interventions in health, education, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
He also addressed broader economic concerns, noting that despite increased allocations to states following fuel subsidy removal, many citizens still face hardship.
According to him, accountability at state and local government levels remains crucial for real development to be felt.
“People must begin to ask questions about how public funds are being used,” he said, while urging voters not to place all responsibility on the federal government.
The former top civil servant outlined an ambitious development agenda, including boosting agriculture, improving healthcare delivery, empowering youths through skills acquisition, and expanding women-focused economic programmes.
He also promised to strengthen internally generated revenue and position Nasarawa to benefit more from its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory.
“I will ensure farmers get fertilisers on time, not when it is too late in the season,” he said, adding that timely agricultural support would be a priority under his leadership.
Yakubu further said his administration would promote industrial development, especially in mineral processing, to create jobs and reduce unemployment among young people.
He also assured supporters of transparent governance, citing his experience as former Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary as evidence of his preparedness for leadership.
Speaking at the event, APC stakeholders described him as a grassroots politician with strong public service credentials, while urging supporters to mobilise ahead of the primaries.
With his entry into the race, the contest for Nasarawa’s governorship seat is expected to intensify as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of 2027.