Students in Katsina, have purchased the N21 million nomination and expression of interest forms of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Sen. Yakubu Lado, in support of his 2027 governorship ambition.
Lado an ally of the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike served in the Senate between 2007 and 2011, representing Katsina South Senatorial District, and chaired the Senate Committee on Land Transport.
He has also been a multiple-time PDP gubernatorial candidate.
Musa Ibrahim, Chairman of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), Katsina axis, under Lado Scholarship Forum, disclosed this while presenting the forms at an event in Katsina on Monday.
He said the aspirant deserved the students’ gesture, particularly in recognition of the impact of his scholarship support, which he described as a life-changing initiative for many underprivileged students.
Ibrahim said that the support had enabled many students who would have dropped out of school to complete their education.
He noted that the assistance was provided without any quest for recognition, describing it as a rare and selfless commitment to human capital development.
”We therefore saw the need to tax ourselves and contribute to purchase the forms, because we believe that when he becomes the governor, he will do more for the youths,” he said.
Responding at the event attended by beneficiaries of his educational support programme, Lado expressed gratitude, describing the gesture as overwhelming and humbling.
He commended the students for their unity, sacrifice and belief in his leadership, saying that their action reflected the impact of sustained investment in education and human capital development.
He acknowledged the recognition given to his foundation’s humanitarian efforts, particularly in supporting students across the state and reiterated his commitment to improving lives.
The ex-lawmaker outlined his vision for the state to include tackling insecurity, improving infrastructure and strengthening education, with the aim of transforming Katsina into a model of development.
He described the N21 million raised by the students as deeply touching, especially considering their financial challenges, adding that the gesture had strengthened his resolve to serve with dedication.
Lado clarified that his earlier low profile in political activities was strategic, and pledged not to disappoint the confidence reposed in him, while expressing optimism about victory in the 2027 elections.
Earlier, Chairman of the Lado Foundation, Gali Salisu-Bakori, said the foundation’s scholarship programme had transformed the lives of nearly 1,000 students across Nigeria.
”This scholarship is not just about paying school fees; it is about restoring dignity and giving young people the opportunity to achieve their dreams,” he said.
He added that the foundation would continue to expand the programme to reach more students, stressing that education remained key to national development.
(NAN)
