2027 Kwara Guber: Stalking Horse Candidate Tag ‘Ridiculous’, I’m In The Race To Win…Atiku Will Sign Binding Document On Petrol Subsidy Restoration Soon-Zakari Mohammed

Kwara State ADC governorship candidate, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, declared on Wednesday that his ‘2027 gubernatorial project’ is absolute, dismissing rumours that he is not in the race to win but to weaken a particular opponent.

He also described the stalking horse candidate rumours as ridiculous and insulting emphasizing that his personal integrity and political track record have positioned him as the most experienced hand to lead Kwara State at this critical period.

‘I am the ADC gubernatorial candidate. Although, I am an indigene of Kwara State, I however have friends across the country.

So, what will I tell them, or how will they view me? All eyes are on me. I am a contented young man. Is it money that they will offer me, or what? I thank God for what He has done for me.

You see, there are contenders and there are pretenders; I am the most qualified among the candidates in terms of experience. If it is not Panadol, it is simply not Panadol. I have God and I have the support of the people’ he said.

Turning his attention to national politics, Hon Zakari Mohammed shared key policy directives from the ADC presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, ahead of next year’s general election.

Team@orientactualmags.com reports that Hon Zakari Mohammed, who said this while featuring on the ‘Hard Talk’ programme held at the Taiwo Awoniyi Media Centre, Ilorin by the state chapter of the Sports Writers Association off Nigeria (SWAN), also disclosed that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is fully committed to restoring the fuel subsidy to ease the economic burden on Nigerians.

To prove this commitment, he added, a formal signing ceremony will be held soon during which the former Vice President will sign a binding document pledging to restore petrol subsidy within his first 100 days in office while the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) will sign on behalf of the Nigerian public.

An ADC-controlled federal government, he added, will allow existence of modulated refineries, noting that subsidy will be moved from the finished goods stage to production stage.

Furthermore, Hon Zakari Mohammed assured Nigerians that an ADC-led federal government would eradicate banditry across the country within 200 days submitting that the party has already identified the missing gaps in the current security architecture and will deploy swift corrective measures to secure the nation.

He also urged electors in Kwara State to support his candidacy, noting that having had 16 years of legislative and executive experience, he is the best man for the job.

 The ADC gubernatorial candidate also took a jab at his co-contestants, describing them as candidates who are not truly independent.

‘Kwara is my home; I am here, available at any time, and approachable. As a member of the House of Representatives, I held empowerment programmes five times and facilitated employment for over 150 people. What I am telling Kwarans is that their Rolls-Royce deserves a good driver, and I am not going to learn on the job. If one of my co-contestants becomes the governor, it will ease a fifth term for someone, while the other person will make a third term possible for someone if he wins’ he said.

Hon. Zakari Mohammed also unveiled a comprehensive blueprint aimed at transforming the state’s sports sector into a hub for talent discovery and economic growth.

As part of his proposed sports infrastructure programme, Hon. Zakari Mohammed said his administration will establish a state-of-the-art Sports Village in the state.

Additionally, the plan includes the construction of mini-stadia across each of the 16 Local Government Areas to ensure grassroots access to standard sporting facilities.

He explained that the proposed investment would not be limited to physical infrastructure, stressing the need to build a sustainable sports ecosystem capable of discovering talents, nurturing them, and providing clear pathways for professional development.

According to Hon. Zakari, his extensive involvement in the development of Kwara sports at various levels has given him a deep understanding of both the achievements and the systemic challenges confronting the sector.

‘I am part of the success story of Kwara and Kwara sports, as a former Special Assistant on Sports and former Commissioner for Youth and Sports, as well as Commissioner for Energy.

What I did in the state in sports was value addition. I have the experience, and I understand where we are coming from. We can use our past records to shape the future’ he said.

A major highlight of his agenda is the comprehensive restructuring of Kwara United Football Club. The ADC candidate argued that the club must evolve beyond its traditional role as a mere football team into a commercially viable sports brand noting that a modern football club should possess corporate structures capable of generating independent revenue, thereby reducing its heavy reliance on government funding.

Hon Zakari Mohammed also promised to professionalize football in the state and maximize its potential. He cited how he activated the ‘solidarity mechanism’ to secure 150,000 euros for the state through Seyi Olofijana , a former Kwara United Football Club player. Additionally, he stated that high schools across the state would have open fields for sports activities to enhance grassroots sports development.

Reflecting on his past contributions to football development in the state, Hon. Zakari Mohammed highlighted his pivotal role in the establishment of the Kwara Football Academy, which he described as a foundational pillar for grooming young football talents.

He pledged that, if given the mandate by the electorate, his administration would move swiftly to implement effective sports development agenda. The strategy will place particular emphasis on grassroots development, robust sports infrastructure, meaningful youth engagement, and the creation of sustainable economic opportunities for athletes and sports practitioners alike.

He also promised that his administration will view sports not just as a recreational activity, but as a critical tool for youth empowerment, wealth creation, and social cohesion across Kwara State

Hon Zakari Mohammed, who represented Baruten/Kaiama federal constituency, Kwara State in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019, had also at different times served as head of Kwara United Football Club, Special Assistant on Sports, Commissioner for Sports and Commissioner for Energy during the Bukola Saraki administration.-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079,  08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you