Former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani, has declared his intention to contest the Kaduna Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
Zailani who made the public declaration at the Rigachikun Primary School on Saturday said, his decision was in response to sustained calls from across the district, which he described as a divine summons to serve his people.
He said the aspiration was not driven by personal ambition but by a sense of responsibility to represent and advance the interests of Kaduna Central.
The former Speaker anchored his ambition on the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as his political mentor and father.
He urged his supporters to adopt what he termed a “joint ticket,” backing his senatorial bid alongside Governor Uba Sani and President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Zailani declared that the President has, more than any previous administration, increased funding to northern governors through enhanced federal allocations.
He linked the development to the removal of fuel subsidy, noting that states now receive significantly higher revenues on a monthly basis.
According to him, the increased inflows are sufficient for governors to pay salaries, execute projects and address security challenges in their states.
He, however, challenged northern governors to justify the funds by delivering tangible development outcomes for their people.
Zailani said the President had met his constitutional obligations by making resources available, stressing that responsibility now rests with state governments.
He cautioned leaders against mismanagement of public funds, urging them to fear God and act in the best interest of citizens.
The senatorial hopeful also called on the Federal Government to intervene in the high cost of fertilizer to support farmers in the North.
He proposed a subsidy that would reduce the price of fertilizer to about ₦15,000 per bag to encourage farming activities and boost food production.
Zailani said farmers suffered major setbacks in the last planting season due to the prohibitive cost of agricultural inputs.
Reaffirming his political alignment, he endorsed President Tinubu for 2027 and backed Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for a second term.
He dismissed talks of any anointed candidate, expressing confidence that both the President and the governor would support his senatorial ambition as he eyes a seat in the Red Chamber.
Zailani alongside the large crowd of supporters however, proceeded on a road show from Rigachikun to stadium roundabout, to increase awareness about his aspiration.
ENDS
