Wednesday, June 10, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

Sani’s unifying leadership and APC rising momentum

By Dauda Sambo

In the political heartland of Northern Nigeria, where tradition and progress often intersect, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State is quietly redefining leadership through inclusion, stability, and vision. Recently, he rallied a mammoth All Progressives Congress (APC) political outing that attracted thousands of defectors from opposition parties. The governor has again cemented his status as a bridge-builder and a political stabilizer with a deep sense of purpose.

The rally, held at the historic Murtala Square in Kaduna, was a big political statement, a reaffirmation that the APC, under the stewardship of leaders like Governor Uba Sani, remains the dominant force in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. The event was attended by prominent figures, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda. Together, they welcomed a wave of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and other opposition parties.

Governor Uba Sani, visibly elated, described the massive turnout as a testament to growing public trust in the APC’s leadership and the success of his administration’s inclusive governance approach. “In APC Kaduna, we are one family. We don’t discriminate. Everyone has the same privilege and the same opportunity,” he declared, drawing applause from the cheering crowd.

His words reflected the  core philosophy that has guided his tenure, one that places equity, justice, and inclusion at the heart of governance. “Kaduna is the most diverse state in Nigeria, and we have used our diversity as our strength,” he added, reinforcing his belief that sustainable progress must be built on harmony and mutual respect among the state’s multifaceted communities.

Indeed, since taking office, Governor Sani has managed to sustain peace in a state once synonymous with ethno-religious flashpoints. For the first time in years, Kaduna has recorded no major communal conflict, an unprecedented feat many attribute to his deliberate efforts to bridge divides, empower communities, and ensure fair representation across religious and ethnic lines.

The Kaduna rally carried the air of renewal and celebration. Murtala Square was a sea of colors: banners, flags, and chants of solidarity filled the air. The massive crowd symbolized a new chapter for the APC in Kaduna and across the North-West, signaling that the party’s grassroots machinery remains formidable ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Among the new entrants were serving and former lawmakers representing Sabon Gari, Igabi, Kaduna South, and Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituencies, as well as ex-senators, local government chairmen, and party heavyweights. Their defection, political observers noted, was not just a matter of convenience but a sign of the widening appeal of Governor Sani’s leadership and the APC’s grassroots resurgence.

For the Governor, the rally was not simply about numbers; it was about unity. “Since we came in, there has not been a single ethno-religious crisis in Kaduna State. We are working as one family, and that is the kind of politics that brings development,” he stated, capturing his conviction that politics must serve people, not divide them.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, who hails from Kaduna, was unequivocal in his praise. He commended the Governor for steering Kaduna on the path of peace and progress, describing him as “a shining example of leadership built on empathy and results.”

“The large turnout we are seeing today shows that the people of Kaduna are solidly behind the APC and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Abbas declared. “Governor Uba Sani has shown what leadership should look like, purposeful, inclusive, and people-centered.”

The APC National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, echoed similar sentiments, describing Uba Sani as “a bridge-builder who has strengthened the party’s structure across all local governments.” Yilwatda added that the Kaduna rally signaled a fresh wave of political realignments that would shape the 2027 elections, noting that the APC would continue to welcome Nigerians who believe in its vision for inclusive development.

Governor Uba Sani’s rising political profile is not accidental. A seasoned activist turned lawmaker and administrator, his career has been anchored on advocacy for equity and socio-economic empowerment. Long before assuming office, he was known for championing social justice, youth empowerment, and humanitarian causes, values that continue to define his governance philosophy today.

Under his watch, Kaduna has witnessed renewed investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture. His administration’s social intervention programs, including support for small businesses and vocational training for youths, have created thousands of jobs and restored hope to many households. His insistence on transparency and accountability has also earned him accolades beyond party lines.

Political analysts describe him as a leader who combines the grassroots accessibility of a community mobilizer with the strategic thinking of a policy innovator , qualities that have endeared him to both the elite and the ordinary people.

At the Kaduna rally, the Governor’s message was clear: the APC’s strength lies not in power alone but in the unity of its people and the credibility of its leadership. His acknowledgment of new entrants, including former Governors and Senators, was a symbolic embrace of reconciliation and renewal. “Our goal is not politics for power, but politics for the people. Kaduna APC is united, stronger, and ready for the future,” he affirmed.

Indeed, the growing wave of defections into the APC across the North reflects a broader sentiment, one that sees the ruling party as the vessel for continuity, stability, and national progress under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. And in Kaduna, Uba Sani stands as a linchpin of that movement, bringing together old and new members under one inclusive umbrella.

Kaduna’s transformation under Governor Sani has also become a case study for peace-driven governance. His belief in dialogue over division, inclusion over exclusion, and opportunity over patronage has set a new tone in regional politics. As one community leader at the rally put it, “Governor Uba Sani has given us a reason to believe again, not just in government, but in ourselves.”

His humility, accessibility, and hands-on approach have earned him respect even among political rivals. For many, the Kaduna rally was not just a partisan show of strength but a celebration of a leadership style that puts people first, a reaffirmation that in unity, progress endures.

As the countdown to 2027 gathers momentum, one thing is certain: Governor Uba Sani’s steady leadership and unifying politics will continue to shape Kaduna’s destiny and influence national conversations. His ability to maintain peace, inspire trust, and build consensus has placed him among Nigeria’s emerging generation of pragmatic, people-focused leaders.

•Sambo, writes from Kaduna