Archival Photograph Reveals Ahmadinejad with Young Children at Maku Governorship as He Launches Fifth Presidential Bid

According to Saed News, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has just announced his candidacy for a fifth term in Iran’s presidential election, has offered a nostalgic glimpse into his past. A newly surfaced photograph—captured in 1982 by Makoo-based photojournalist Safar Ali Mohammadpour—shows the then-governor seated behind his desk, flanked by his small daughter and son, underscoring both his family life and his early administrative role in the remote northwest province.

Taken during Ahmadinejad’s tenure as governor of Maku in 1361 AH (1982 CE), the black‑and‑white image depicts a youthful official in simple attire, the children perched attentively at his side. The photograph not only humanises a figure often defined by his politics and polarising rhetoric but also highlights the humble origins of a man who would later rise to the presidency.

The timing of this release is poignant. Ahmadinejad formally registered his fifth bid for the presidency on 10 Tir 1404 (30 June 2025). By sharing the archival shot, his campaign appears keen to remind voters of his longstanding public service—and to cast him in the light of a family man shaped by grassroots governance.

Political analysts suggest that revisiting such early moments can be a strategic move. “Deploying personal history bolsters authenticity,” notes one Tehran-based commentator. “In an election crowded with establishment figures, evoking a sense of continuity and personal sacrifice can resonate with certain segments of the electorate.”

For those tracking the unfolding political contest, Saed News continues to provide up‑to‑the‑minute coverage. Stay informed on all developments in Iran’s presidential race by following our dedicated politics section.