I May Challenge Tinubu In 2027 – Zari

The CEO and founder of G-Complex Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Abdulhamid M. Zari, has publicly expressed his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 elections if the current administration continues to appoint unsuitable individuals to its cabinet.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja after the Sallah celebration, Zari expressed concerns about the effectiveness of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s current government.

Zari commended the government’s intentions to address Nigeria’s issues. Still, it criticised appointing what he describes as “educated illiterates” in key positions.

He said they lack the necessary creativity and industriousness to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda progress.

He said that 85 per cent of the current ministers are unqualified for their roles, which he believes hampers the government’s ability to deliver on its promises and effectively utilise the country’s wealth.

“In this government, 85 per cent of them are educated, illiterate, and they are not constructive or creative people. Nigerians need creative, industrious, honest and sincere people,” he said.

Despite his criticisms, Zari stated that he would not openly attack the current administration but would continue to offer support in various forms to help achieve their goals. He urged President Tinubu to appoint capable individuals to assist him, emphasising the need for accountability among ministers and other appointees.

Zari cited the struggles faced by his local community in Gunduma. Many residents reportedly lacked basic necessities like rice during the festive Sallah celebration, reflecting a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with the government’s performance. He noted that while the president has commendable ideas, execution remains a significant issue.

Pointing out the mismanagement of resources, Zari highlighted significant financial discrepancies, such as governors converting federal allocations into foreign currency. He criticised this practice as detrimental to society and Nigeria’s overall development.

“We would not like to come out and challenge the government for whatever reason, but if it continues like this, I will have no option but to come out and challenge them come 2027, but for now we want to support them financially, emotionally and mentally because we believe in their ideology.”

Regarding his contributions to local infrastructure, Zari revealed that he has invested substantially in community projects, including the dualisation of township roads and the construction of a bridge linking Abuja to his area. He emphasised the importance of making Nigerians feel the impact of good governance, noting that citizens deserve to see tangible benefits from their leaders.

“I spent 6.8 billion to dualise township roads in my community and also constructed a bridge that linked Abuja for 500 million, which Wike is unaware of, just to support the government of the day.”

Zari reiterated his commitment to challenge the current government in 2027 if necessary, stressing that governance should truly be for the people. He acknowledged President Tinubu’s democratic leadership style but insisted that the administration failed to select the right individuals for pivotal roles.

Among the ministers, he admired the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Bar Nyesom Wike, whom he described as an exemplary leader within the current cabinet.