Arewa Think Tank: One-party state fears are for lazy politicians

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

Following ongoing defections by some opposition members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has declared that those politicians crying over an alleged one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections are merely lazy and afraid of competition.

The ATT Convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, spoke to journalists on Wednesday shortly after a special prayer session organised in honour of Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, who clocked 55, at the historic Arewa House, Kaduna.

Yakubu said fears of a one-party state were nothing but propaganda by politicians unwilling to stand their ground.

“The one-party state talk is for lazy politicians. If you are strong enough, stand your ground,” Yakubu said.

He recalled how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stood firm as a “one-man soldier” between 1999 and 2007 when the PDP dominated national politics.

“Tinubu didn’t complain of a one-party state. He stood his ground and won. Why can’t others do the same?” he asked.

Yakubu said defections to the ruling APC were driven by performance, not intimidation.

“If honey is sweet, bees will follow it. People are joining APC because they see a future in Tinubu’s leadership,” he added.

Speaking on Governor Uba Sani’s stewardship, Yakubu said the quality of personalities who attended the prayer session, including a former governor of the state, was a testament to the governor’s acceptance and performance.

He cited improved peace, successful engagement with stakeholders and the governor’s ability to attract foreign funding, including a $600 million Chinese loan for poultry and agricultural development, as evidence of good governance.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, also praised Uba Sani, particularly in the area of security.

“Security is the number one responsibility of any leader. When he took over, many places were unsafe and markets were closed. Today, over 90 per cent of those places are accessible,” Yero said.

According to him, communities like Birnin Gwari and Giwa have witnessed a return of normal economic activities, while rural infrastructure development has boosted local economies.

President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Yerima Shettima, described Governor Uba Sani as a fulfilled and focused leader.

“In just two years, he has shown what governance is all about. Security has improved, the economy is picking up, and investors are returning to Kaduna,” Shettima said.

He urged Nigerians to continue supporting both the governor and President Tinubu, stressing that sustained support would guarantee national progress.

The prayer session, according to organisers, was part of ATT’s tradition of praying for national and state leaders, especially at critical moments in the country’s political journey.

“When we pray for our leaders, we pray for ourselves,” Yakubu added.