Students in Katsina have purchased the N21 million nomination and expression of interest forms of the Peoples Democratic Party for Yakubu Lado, in support of his 2027 governorship ambition.

Mr Lado, an ally of 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 governorship candidate for the PDP.

Musa Ibrahim, chairman of the National Association of University Students, Katsina axis, under the Lado Scholarship Forum, disclosed this while presenting the forms at an event in Katsina on Monday.

He explained that students made this gesture particularly to recognise Lado’s impactful scholarship support, describing it as life-changing for many underprivileged students.

Mr 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,” Mr Ibrahim said.

At the event attended by beneficiaries of his educational support programme, Mr Lado expressed gratitude and described the gesture as overwhelming and humbling.

He commended the students for their unity and sacrifice, and for believing in his leadership. He said their action reflected the impact of sustained investment in education and human capital development.

He acknowledged the recognition his foundation’s humanitarian efforts have received, particularly in supporting students across the state, and reiterated his commitment to improving lives.

The ex-lawmaker outlined his vision for the state: to tackle insecurity, improve infrastructure, and strengthen education, aiming to transform Katsina into a model of development.

He described the N21 million raised by the students as deeply touching. Despite their financial challenges, he said the gesture had strengthened his resolve to serve with dedication.

Mr 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.

The 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)