Kaduna Gov. Sani champions APC unity, defends Tinubu reforms
From AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna Governor Uba Sani on Wednesday projected himself as a unifying force within the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s North-West Zonal Congress in Kaduna, while
- …as APC elects new North-West executives
From AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani on Wednesday projected himself as a unifying force within the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s North-West Zonal Congress in Kaduna, while strongly defending the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and consolidating the party’s political gains in the region.
Addressing party leaders, delegates and stakeholders at the well-attended gathering, Sani described the congress as both a test of internal cohesion and a reaffirmation of the party’s democratic credentials, insisting that the APC remains grounded in participatory politics and grassroots legitimacy.
“This Zonal Congress stands as a powerful affirmation of the APC’s identity as a truly democratic and grassroots-driven political party,” he said, adding that leadership within the party is “freely chosen through transparent processes that respect the will of the people.”
The governor characterised Kaduna’s role as host as “a profound honour and a deep sense of responsibility,” noting that the state continues to play a strategic role in shaping the direction of the ruling party, particularly within the North-West geopolitical zone.
A major highlight of the congress was the formal reception of new entrants into the APC, including the governors of Kano and Zamfara states, Abba Kabir Yusuf and Dauda Lawal, a development that underscored ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Welcoming the defectors, Sani described their decision as “momentous,” saying it would significantly strengthen the party’s national outlook and deepen its influence across the North-West and beyond.
“We receive you with open arms, in a spirit of unity, mutual respect, and shared destiny,” he said, in remarks seen as both conciliatory and strategic.
He also assured party members that the APC operates on principles of equality, fairness and shared opportunity, seeking to ease potential tensions between longstanding members and new entrants.
“Whether you joined years ago or today, you stand on equal footing with all members,” Sani declared. “This is a party where commitment, contribution and conviction—not chronology—define relevance,” he added, drawing applause from delegates.
Beyond internal party affairs, the governor aligned himself firmly with the administration of President Tinubu, offering a robust defence of the ongoing economic and structural reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He described the president’s leadership as one defined by “courage, clarity of vision and an unyielding commitment to repositioning Nigeria for sustainable progress,” insisting that the reforms, though difficult, are necessary to secure long-term national stability and growth.
Sani pointed to what he described as tangible outcomes of the reforms, particularly in the agriculture and energy sectors, where targeted interventions, according to him, are already boosting productivity, enhancing efficiency and restoring confidence in key segments of the economy.
According to the governor, reforms in the oil and gas sector are improving operational efficiency and strengthening Nigeria’s energy security, while agricultural policies are enabling farmers to return to their fields and expand output after years of disruption.
He also highlighted social intervention programmes such as the student loan scheme, which he said has “opened new doors of opportunity for our young people, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of educational advancement.”
On infrastructure, Sani argued that ongoing federal investments are already reshaping the economic landscape, citing developments in roads, rail and energy as critical enablers of connectivity, commerce and inclusive growth.
“Massive investments in roads, rail and energy are reconnecting communities, stimulating commerce and unlocking new economic opportunities,” he said, maintaining that the impact of these interventions is becoming increasingly visible across the country.
Importantly, the governor localised these national achievements, presenting Kaduna State and the wider North-West region as direct beneficiaries of the federal government’s policies and programmes, particularly in the areas of security, agriculture and economic recovery.
“Security has improved, farmers are returning to their fields, markets are thriving again, and confidence is steadily being restored in our communities,” he said, in remarks clearly aimed at reinforcing public trust in APC-led governance.
Sani also used the platform to send a strong message on party discipline and cohesion, urging delegates to rise above personal and factional interests in the collective pursuit of unity, stability and electoral success.
“This congress is not only about leadership selection; it is about strengthening our unity, deepening our structures and aligning our strategies for the future,” he said, emphasising the need for a shared vision among party faithful.
He further charged party members to take the message of governance and development back to their constituencies, urging them to actively engage citizens and communicate the impact of ongoing reforms.
“Tell our people that the North-West is on a path of progress and that greater opportunities lie ahead,” Sani said, in a rallying call that underscored the broader political significance of the gathering.
The congress also witnessed the emergence of new zonal executives for the APC in the North-West, in what party leaders described as a strategic move to strengthen its organisational structure and consolidate its dominance in the region.
Hon. Muhammad Datti Garba Babawo from Kaduna State emerged as the North-West Zonal Chairman of the party, while Hon. Hadiza Alhaji from Sokoto State was named Zonal Woman Leader.
Similarly, Abdulhamid Umar Moh’d from Kano State was reappointed as Zonal Youth Leader, a move seen as a continuity strategy aimed at sustaining youth engagement within the party.
Other officials announced include Salisu Uba Tsafe from Zamfara State as Organising Secretary, Mailafiya Mada from Zamfara State as Publicity Secretary, Bashir Hussaini from Kano State as Legal Adviser, and Duste from Jigawa State as Legal Co-Adviser.
The emergence of the new executives, which coincided with the zonal congress in Kaduna, is expected to reposition the APC for greater cohesion and electoral success ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event was attended by top government functionaries and party leaders from across the region, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajuddeen, governors from the North-West states, ministers and other key stakeholders.
