The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled Elder Olawuyi Julius Olayide, a retired teacher and school administrator, as the running mate to its governorship candidate in Kwara State, Rt. Hon. Zakari Mohammed, ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

Zakari announced the selection on his official Facebook page on Monday, introducing Olawuyi as a seasoned educationist from Offa in Offa Local Government Area of the state.

"I have the pleasure to present my running mate, Elder Julius Olaide Olawuyi, a retired teacher and school administrator from Offa town, in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State. ADC, Arise and Shine Nigeria," he wrote.

Born on January 20, 1960, in Offa, Elder Olawuyi is an experienced educationist with more than three decades of service in teaching and school administration. He is married with children and is widely recognised for his contributions to education, community development and grassroots leadership.

He earned a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics/Social Studies from the College of Education, Oro, in 1984 before obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Education (B.A.Ed.) in Social Studies from the University of Ilorin in 1991.

During his 34-year teaching career, he served at Ansar-Ud-Deen College, Offa (1986-2005), Offa Community Secondary School (2005-2006) and Nawar-Ud-Deen College (2006-2011).

He later became Vice Principal of Moremi High School, Offa, where he served from 2011 until his retirement on January 20, 2020.

The ADC described Olawuyi as a man of integrity, humility and wisdom, expressing confidence that his wealth of experience in education and administration would strengthen the party's governorship ticket.

According to the party, the Zakari Mohammed-Olawuyi ticket is committed to delivering people-centred leadership focused on improving education, empowering youths and women, strengthening the economy and driving sustainable development across Kwara State.

The unveiling marks another milestone in the ADC's preparations for the governorship election as the party positions itself as an alternative political platform for the people of Kwara State.