Alhaji Abdulhamid M. Zari, the Chief Executive Officer and founder of G-Complex Nigeria Limited, has openly expressed his willingness to contest for the presidency in the 2027 general elections if the current administration continues what he perceives as a pattern of appointing unqualified individuals to key positions in government.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja shortly after the Sallah celebrations, Zari voiced strong concerns over the performance and composition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. While he acknowledged the administration’s laudable intentions under the Renewed Hope Agenda, he was critical of the caliber of individuals selected to execute those plans.
Zari did not mince words in describing a significant portion of the current cabinet as lacking in competence. According to him, the government’s inability to fulfill its promises stems from the appointment of what he termed “educated illiterates”—individuals who possess academic qualifications but lack practical insight, creativity, and a genuine commitment to national development.
“In this administration, 85 percent of the ministers are what I call educated illiterates. They may hold certificates, but they are not constructive, innovative, or resourceful. Nigeria does not need such people. We need sincere, honest, creative, and hardworking leaders,” he declared.
Despite his reservations, Zari made it clear that his criticism was not meant to undermine the presidency but rather to encourage better governance. He stressed that he would continue to offer support to the administration in whatever capacity he could—financially, emotionally, and mentally—provided the government remains aligned with the ideals it claims to uphold.
He urged President Tinubu to carry out a sweeping review of his cabinet and surround himself with capable individuals who can help him implement policies effectively. Zari called for greater accountability and transparency, warning that poor leadership choices could derail the administration’s ambitions.
Touching on the plight of ordinary citizens, Zari shared the struggles of his native community in Gunduma, where many residents could not afford basic food items such as rice during the Sallah festivities.
He described this as a reflection of widespread dissatisfaction and hardship across the country, highlighting the growing disconnect between government promises and real outcomes on the ground.
He also expressed concern over the alleged mismanagement of federal resources, specifically pointing to a disturbing trend in which some state governors convert federal allocations into foreign currencies. Zari criticized this practice as exploitative and counterproductive to national growth.
“We do not want to oppose this government unnecessarily. However, if this trend of poor governance continues, I will have no choice but to step up and contest in 2027. For now, we still believe in their ideology and are willing to support them—but this support is not without conditions,” he warned.
As a private citizen, Zari has taken steps to bridge the gap left by government inaction. He revealed that he had personally invested in major infrastructure projects in his community.
These include the dualisation of township roads, which cost N6.8 billion, and the construction of a bridge linking Abuja to the area, at a cost of N500 million—projects, he claimed, were undertaken without any public fanfare or recognition from the Federal Capital Territory administration.
“I spent over six billion naira on roads and half a billion on a bridge connecting Abuja, just to improve infrastructure and show that development is possible. Ironically, the Minister of the FCT, Wike, is unaware of these efforts,” Zari noted.
Nevertheless, he singled out FCT Minister Nyesom Wike as one of the few competent hands in the current administration, describing him as a shining example of purposeful leadership.
Zari reiterated that governance must be people-centered and results-driven. While he commended President Tinubu’s democratic style and strategic vision, he emphasized that failure to surround himself with qualified and upright individuals could lead to a loss of public confidence—something Zari is prepared to challenge through the ballot box if necessary.