Zakari Mohammed has won the African Democratic Congress governorship ticket for Kwara State in 2027. The former federal lawmaker emerged victorious at the party's primary election held on Saturday.
Mohammed previously represented Baruten/Kaiama in the National Assembly. He comes from Baruten Local Government Area in Kwara North.
Shortly after his victory, the candidate painted the ADC as a party for everyday people. He promised inclusive governance and accountability if voters elect him.
"ADC is a party of the youth, women, mechanics, drivers, watchmen, CEOs and ordinary Nigerians," he told supporters. According to him, the party welcomes all categories of citizens seeking political alternatives.
Mohammed expressed confidence about the party's electoral prospects. "By the grace of God, ADC will occupy Ahmadu Bello Way and ADC will occupy Aso Rock," he said.
He rejected suggestions that the ADC remained marginal in Nigerian politics. In his words, the party was gaining traction among voters tired of the current political establishment.
Mohammed called on civil servants, pensioners, farmers, and traditional leaders to back the ADC's vision. He emphasized the party wouldn't abandon citizens after winning elections.
"We are not the kind of party that will disappear after getting into government," he noted. "ADC will remain accountable to the people."
Beyond the governorship race, the party announced its full slate of candidates on Saturday. Positions ranged from the Senate down to state assembly seats.
For the three senatorial districts, ADC picked Risikat Motunrayo Abdullahi for Kwara Central. Taoheed Bala Usman secured the Kwara North nomination while Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo got Kwara South.
House of Representatives candidates also emerged across the state's six federal constituencies. Dr.
Saad Oladimeji Issa will fly the party's flag in Ilorin East/Ilorin South.
Abdulkadir Olanrewaju Oba Aluko got the Asa/Ilorin West ticket. Hassan Zubairu Muhammad represents the party in Edu/Moro/Patigi.
Idris Usman Hariru emerged as the ADC candidate for Kaiama/Baruten Federal Constituency. Hon.
Olayonu Tope secured the Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun nomination.
Engr. Abarisoko Abiodun Takit will contest for Isin/Irepodun/Ekiti/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency.
The party also fielded candidates for all state assembly seats.
Political watchers believe Mohammed's emergence strengthens the 2027 gubernatorial contest considerably. His grassroots presence in Kwara North could prove decisive, sources say.
His candidacy adds another northern contestant to the race to succeed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Several other aspirants from the region have already declared their intentions.
