Speaking with journalists in Sokoto on Monday, Lamido said his decision was influenced by the limitations of the legislative role in addressing the worsening insecurity in his constituency.

He noted that the Senate does not have executive powers, making it difficult to directly confront the security challenges affecting communities in Sokoto East.

According to him, this realization pushed him to consider contesting for the governorship, which he believes would provide him with the authority and resources needed to tackle banditry and other violent crimes in the region.

Lamido said many constituents also encouraged him to pursue an executive position, arguing that only a governor has the capacity to respond effectively to the security situation.

“I wanted to contest for governor because of the insecurity affecting my people. As a senator, I do not have the executive powers needed to address the situation effectively,” he said.

However, he failed to secure the governorship ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which adopted a consensus arrangement that produced former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Mannir Dan’iya, as its candidate for the 2027 election.

Despite this setback, Lamido said he remains committed to the party and will support its candidate in the upcoming elections.

He stressed that his involvement in politics is driven by service to the people rather than personal ambition.

“I will remain in the ADC and support the candidate who emerged. Politics, for me, is not about personal gain but about serving my people,” he added.

Lamido also confirmed that all other aspirants in the race accepted the party’s consensus decision in the interest of unity.

The 24-year-old, born in Camden to Nigerian parents, was cleared by FIFA last month to change allegiance from England, where he previously represented youth teams during his time at Arsenal.

Reports indicate that the Wrexham goalkeeper chose Nigeria following discussions with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle during the Unity Cup in June 2025, a tournament Nigeria went on to win.

Speaking in a video released by the Nigeria Football Federation, Okonkwo said he is thrilled at the opportunity to represent the country.

“It’s an honour being allowed to play for your country. I am so excited, I can’t wait. To finally have the opportunity is incredible,” he said.

Okonkwo now joins a competitive group of goalkeepers in the Super Eagles setup, including Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho, Amas Obasogie, Maduka Okoye and teenage prospect Ebenezer Harcourt.

The shot-stopper came through Arsenal’s academy and later had loan spells at Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz before joining Wrexham on loan in 2023, a move that was made permanent a year later.

Since then, he has established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, making 121 appearances and helping them secure two promotions.

This season, he featured in 44 matches across all competitions, kept 10 clean sheets, and played a key role as Wrexham narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League.