Dr Zakka Yakubu, former Accountant-General of Nasarawa State, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made during a public rally held on Sunday in Akwanga Local Government Area, where he unveiled his vision for an inclusive and people-centred administration. Yakubu emphasized that his governance model would be anchored on a “people’s budget,” a system designed to ensure that government spending directly reflects the priorities of communities across the state.
In his address, Yakubu explained that the people’s budget would involve local councillors and members of the House of Assembly engaging directly with residents in their wards and constituencies. These consultations would identify the most urgent needs—whether in health, education, or infrastructure—before any project is included in the state’s annual budget. He stressed that this approach would prevent a mismatch between government spending and actual community needs, such as building roads while communities lack functional hospitals or schools.
Yakubu criticized the current trend of “white elephant projects” that often benefit a few while leaving many citizens underserved. He argued that development must be driven by the people’s voices, not political or bureaucratic whims. “When you know the problems of the people, you will solve them according to what they want,” he said, adding that this method would lead to faster and more sustainable progress. He believes that budgeting based on grassroots input ensures that every naira spent delivers real value to the lives of Nasarawa’s citizens.
The former accountant-general expressed gratitude to his supporters for their confidence and commitment, promising to prioritize community-driven development projects if elected. He highlighted that his administration would focus on interventions that directly improve the welfare of citizens, especially in rural areas that have long been neglected. Yakubu’s campaign is expected to attract attention from voters who are frustrated with top-down governance and want a more participatory approach to state management.
As the 2027 governorship race begins to take shape, Yakubu’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, and grassroots participation positions him as a candidate with a distinct policy focus. His pledge to implement a people’s budget could influence how other aspirants frame their campaigns, especially in a state where public trust in government remains fragile. The coming months will reveal how his message resonates with voters across Nasarawa’s diverse communities.
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