Uba Sani: Comrade with a difference

By Danladi Usman

In the political history of Kaduna State, no other civilian governor has worn the badge of “Comrade” as proudly and generally so acknowledged like the late Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa and the present Governor, Senator Uba Sani. The late Balarabe Musa was a leading figure of the radical People’s Redemption Party (PRP), a close associate of the late Aminu Kano political tradition, and was widely regarded as a socialist and defender of the masses. Governor Uba Sani earned his “Comrade” label from his years in the civil-rights and pro-democracy movement, including activism against military rule in the 1990s. He has repeatedly identified himself with that tradition.

Both emerged from progressive traditions. Both identified with the struggles of ordinary people. Both built reputations as advocates of social justice and defenders of the underprivileged. Yet, while they share ideological roots, their approaches to governance reveal significant differences that have shaped public perception and outcomes.

To be sure, Balarabe Musa remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated progressive politicians. As governor of Kaduna State during the Second Republic, he became known for his uncompromising socialist ideals and fierce commitment to the masses. He championed policies aimed at expanding access to education and improving the welfare of the poor. However, his administration was marked by constant political battles, confrontations with entrenched interests, and a governance style that often pitched him against powerful political actors. His tenure eventually ended in impeachment, making him the first elected governor in Nigeria to suffer such a fate.

Governor Uba Sani, though equally rooted in activism and pro-democracy struggles, has charted a different path. He is a comrade in both word and deed, but one whose governance philosophy and style are built on inclusion, consensus-building, dialogue, and community participation. Rather than seeing government as the sole driver of development, he has consciously placed communities and citizens at the centre of decision-making. This approach has endeared him to many across Kaduna State and helped him build broad acceptance among diverse groups.

The difference lies not in commitment to the people but in the method of delivering results. For Governor Uba Sani, governance is most effective when people see themselves as partners rather than spectators. Since assuming office, he has consistently emphasized that development must be people-driven. His administration has sought to create platforms through which communities identify their needs and participate in shaping government interventions.

This philosophy reflects his long-standing belief that democracy should not merely be about periodic elections but about ensuring that citizens have a voice in policies that affect their daily lives. It is a belief rooted in his years as a labour activist, human rights advocate, and pro-democracy campaigner.

The governor’s commitment to inclusiveness has become one of the defining features of his administration. Unlike the top-down style often associated with traditional governance structures, Uba Sani has encouraged engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, religious groups, youth organizations, women associations, and civil society groups.

This approach has fostered a sense of ownership among citizens. Communities increasingly see government projects not as distant interventions imposed from above but as collective achievements arising from consultation and cooperation.

Perhaps, nowhere is this more evident than in the area of security. Kaduna State had, for years, suffered from banditry, kidnappings, communal conflicts, and rural insecurity. Instead of relying solely on force, Governor Uba Sani adopted a multi-dimensional strategy that combined security operations with community engagement, dialogue, economic empowerment, and infrastructure development. And he aptly christened it the Kaduna Peace Model.]

The results have been encouraging. Communities that were once isolated due to insecurity are gradually reconnecting with economic and social activities. Farmers are returning to their fields. Markets are reopening. Schools that were once threatened by insecurity are operating with greater confidence.

A major reason for this progress is the administration’s recognition that security and development are inseparable. Communities that feel included in governance are more likely to support peace-building efforts and collaborate with security agencies.

One of Governor Uba Sani’s most notable achievements has been his focus on reducing poverty and expanding economic opportunities. Unlike many leaders who view infrastructure solely through the lens of physical construction, he sees roads, schools, hospitals, and social programmes as tools for improving human welfare.

His administration has implemented numerous initiatives designed to uplift vulnerable groups. Women, youths, small-scale entrepreneurs, and rural dwellers have become key beneficiaries of government interventions.

The governor has repeatedly stressed that development must reach the grassroots. This explains the emphasis on rural infrastructure, agricultural support programmes, healthcare expansion, and financial inclusion initiatives.

A striking example of his people-centred approach is the administration’s commitment to financial inclusion. Through partnerships with development institutions and financial service providers, efforts have been made to ensure that citizens in remote communities gain access to banking and financial services. Such interventions are critical in empowering small businesses and integrating rural populations into the formal economy.

Healthcare has also received significant attention. Under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, investments have been directed toward upgrading primary healthcare facilities and improving access to medical services across the state. The objective is simple but profound: ensuring that quality healthcare is not a privilege reserved for urban residents.

Education remains another critical pillar of the administration’s development agenda. As a former activist who understands the transformative power of education, Governor Uba Sani has demonstrated commitment to improving learning infrastructure and expanding educational opportunities.

The governor’s emphasis on human capital development reflects a broader vision of sustainable progress. He understands that roads and buildings alone cannot guarantee prosperity. The true wealth of a society lies in the capacity of its people. This explains why skills acquisition programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, and educational interventions feature prominently in his development strategy.

During a recent appearance on Channels Television’s NewsNight programme, Governor Uba Sani highlighted several projects and programmes that underscore his administration’s developmental priorities.

He spoke about extensive road construction projects aimed at connecting rural communities and stimulating economic activities. These roads are not merely transportation corridors; they serve as lifelines for farmers, traders, students, and healthcare workers.

The governor also discussed ongoing efforts to expand access to healthcare through the construction and rehabilitation of health facilities. These investments are designed to ensure that residents, particularly those in underserved areas, can access quality medical care without travelling long distances.

Agriculture, the backbone of many rural communities, has received renewed attention. Programmes aimed at supporting farmers through improved inputs, extension services, and access to markets are helping to boost productivity and enhance food security.

The governor also highlighted initiatives targeted at empowering women and youths through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship support, and access to finance. These programmes are creating opportunities for self-reliance and economic advancement.

What makes these interventions particularly noteworthy is their emphasis on inclusion. They are not designed for a privileged few but for broad segments of society. This aligns with Governor Uba Sani’s belief that development should be equitable and widely shared.

Another distinguishing characteristic of Governor Uba Sani’s leadership is his ability to build bridges across political, ethnic, and religious divides. Kaduna State is one of Nigeria’s most diverse states, and managing such diversity requires tact, sensitivity, and an unwavering commitment to fairness. The governor has consistently projected himself as a leader for all residents of Kaduna State, irrespective of background. His emphasis on dialogue and reconciliation has contributed to a more peaceful and cooperative political atmosphere.

This inclusive disposition contrasts sharply with the confrontational politics that often characterize governance in many parts of the country. Rather than deepening divisions, Uba Sani has sought to build consensus around common goals. His style reflects lessons learned from years of activism. The struggle for democracy taught him that lasting change is achieved not merely through resistance but through engagement, persuasion, and coalition-building.

Indeed, this may be the defining feature that makes him a comrade with a difference. Like Balarabe Musa, he believes government should serve the people. Like Balarabe Musa, he remains committed to social justice and the welfare of ordinary citizens. But unlike the combative political environment that defined much of Balarabe Musa’s tenure, Uba Sani has embraced a governance model that prioritizes collaboration, inclusion, and community ownership.

His administration demonstrates that progressive governance need not be confrontational to be effective. It can be participatory. It can be inclusive. It can be pragmatic. Today, many Kaduna residents see tangible evidence of this philosophy in the roads being built, the healthcare facilities being upgraded, the water projects being executed, the farmers being supported, the women and youths being empowered, and the communities being given a voice in governance.

In a political landscape where ideology is often divorced from action, Governor Uba Sani has sought to bridge that gap. He has shown that it is possible to remain true to the ideals of comradeship while adapting governance strategies to contemporary realities. That is why many observers regard him not simply as a comrade, but as a comrade with a difference—one whose politics is rooted in the people, whose governance is driven by inclusion, and whose vision is focused on transforming lives and building a Kaduna State where every citizen feels valued, heard, and empowered.

• Usman, a public affairs analyst and social commentator, writes from Zaria, Kaduna State