Kaduna NDC Rep candidate, Ibrahim Akut
Former Sole Administrator of Kaura Local Government Area in Kaduna State and House of Representatives candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ibrahim Akut, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of failing to fulfil its promises to Nigerians, declaring that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi would emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election.
Akut, who spoke during an interview with journalists in Kaduna, said he joined the APC as a young idealist inspired by the party’s promise of change but later became disillusioned by what he described as a disconnect between its campaign promises and governance.
According to him, his decision to leave his job with the Federal Road Safety Corps and join politics was motivated by a desire to contribute to national development.
“I resigned my job as a road safety officer and joined the struggle to change Nigeria. Unfortunately, what was preached was not practicable. Within a short time, I discovered it was a gang of people who wanted power by all means,” he said.
Akut, who gained public attention in 2015 after uncovering 114 ghost workers and initiating reforms in Kaura Local Government’s education department, said his political journey eventually aligned with Peter Obi’s movement due to what he described as the former Anambra governor’s integrity and transparency.
“It is difficult for any politician to tell people to verify his claims and come out clean. But Peter Obi has done that repeatedly, and nobody has been able to prove him wrong,” he said.
Expressing confidence in Obi’s chances in the next general election, Akut said Nigerians were yearning for credible and accountable leadership.
“I am very certain that in 2027, Peter Obi is going to be the leader of Nigeria,” he declared.
The NDC candidate also alleged that the opposition’s mandate in the 2023 presidential election was undermined, adding that political stakeholders had learnt lessons and were already mobilising to ensure that votes count in future elections.
“We were younger then. Today, we are older and wiser. We will not allow anybody to steal the people’s mandate again. Constitutionally and democratically, we will educate voters and protect every vote,” he said.
Speaking on insecurity, Akut expressed concern over the worsening security situation in Southern Kaduna, saying many communities continue to grapple with kidnappings and banditry.
“Today, you cannot guarantee the safety of a traveller from one point to another. In my local government, people are kidnapped from their homes and ransoms demanded. Some never return,” he said.
He attributed the insecurity to years of poor governance and pledged to focus on security, infrastructure and education if elected to represent Kaura Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Drawing inspiration from the late former Deputy Governor of Kaduna State and ex-lawmaker, Barnabas Bantex, Akut said he would pursue inclusive and people-oriented representation anchored on grassroots consultations.
“The solutions will come from the people themselves. Leadership is about wisdom, creativity and teamwork. My constituents will be part of the process of making our constituency great again,” he said.
He added that his experience in local government administration, grassroots politics and community leadership had equipped him for effective representation, stressing that he had already begun developing programmes aimed at improving the lives of his constituents.
