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By Habeeb Abdulrasheed
Governor Uba Sani’s emergence as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election in Kaduna State is far more than a routine political exercise. The overwhelming affirmation of 459,393 votes secured at the party’s primary election stands as a remarkable political statement — one that reflects growing public confidence in his leadership, broad acceptance of the APC in Kaduna State, and strong approval of the administration’s performance over the last three years.
In every sense, the outcome of the primary election was an emphatic endorsement. It was not merely a procedural affirmation of a sole aspirant; it was a resounding declaration by party members, stakeholders, delegates and supporters that Governor Uba Sani has succeeded in reconnecting governance with the people and restoring confidence in political leadership in Kaduna State.
The atmosphere at the primary election venue reflected this reality. Delegates drawn from the 23 local government areas of the state gathered in unity and celebration, demonstrating uncommon consensus within the ruling party.
The exercise, monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was peaceful, orderly and transparent — itself a testimony to the improved internal cohesion within the APC under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership.
For many observers, the sheer scale of the affirmation votes carries deep political significance. In an era where political apathy and public distrust often define electoral participation, securing 459,393 votes in an uncontested primary reveals a strong emotional and political connection between the governor and the grassroots. It indicates that the governor’s leadership style, policy direction and governance philosophy have resonated with broad segments of the population.
The endorsement also highlights how Governor Uba Sani has successfully transformed the APC in Kaduna State into a more inclusive and people-friendly political platform. Since assuming office, he has worked consistently to lower political tensions, build bridges across divides and return the party to its grassroots foundations. Through consultations, dialogue and political inclusion, he has reinvigorated party structures and strengthened internal unity.
Unlike the culture of exclusion and elite-driven politics often associated with political parties, Governor Uba Sani’s approach has focused on accessibility and consensus-building. Stakeholders across various tendencies within the APC have repeatedly acknowledged his efforts in carrying everyone along, listening to diverse voices and creating an atmosphere where party members feel valued and respected.
This spirit of inclusion has helped stabilize the APC in Kaduna State and positioned it as a stronger and more cohesive political force ahead of the 2027 general elections. The peaceful conduct of the primary election itself was a direct reflection of this renewed harmony.
Indeed, the overwhelming affirmation can be interpreted as a reward for the governor’s deliberate efforts to place governance closer to the people. Over the past 36 months, the Governor Uba Sani administration has pursued policies centered on inclusiveness, security, infrastructure renewal, rural development and economic expansion.
One of the major areas where the administration has earned commendation is in the restoration of peace and security across many troubled parts of Kaduna State. Prior to his emergence as governor, insecurity remained one of the biggest challenges confronting the state, affecting farming communities, economic activities and social cohesion.
Governor Uba Sani adopted a strategy rooted in dialogue, stakeholder engagement and community participation. Rather than relying solely on force, his administration emphasized reconciliation, intelligence-sharing and collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders and security agencies. This multidimensional approach has reportedly contributed to improving stability in several areas previously affected by conflict and banditry.
The improved security situation has, in turn, boosted economic activities and restored confidence among residents and investors. Farmers have gradually returned to their farms, commercial activities have expanded and communities that once lived under fear have begun rebuilding social and economic life.
Beyond security, the administration has also made visible interventions in infrastructure development. Across Kaduna State, road projects, urban renewal initiatives and rural connectivity programs have become central components of the government’s development agenda. These projects are aimed not only at improving transportation but also at stimulating local economies and opening up rural communities to opportunities.
Governor Uba Sani has repeatedly emphasized balanced development, ensuring that governance is not concentrated only in urban centers while rural communities remain neglected. This commitment to inclusiveness has earned him support among ordinary citizens who increasingly see government presence in their communities.
In the education sector, the administration has also pursued reforms aimed at improving access and strengthening learning infrastructure. Education remains critical to Kaduna’s long-term growth strategy, and the government has continued investing in schools, educational facilities and policies designed to expand opportunities for young people.
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Healthcare delivery has similarly received attention through efforts targeted at improving access to medical services and strengthening primary healthcare systems. These interventions form part of the administration’s broader vision of human capital development and social inclusion.
Another defining feature of Governor Uba Sani’s leadership has been his focus on economic empowerment and social welfare. Through various intervention programs, the administration has sought to support small businesses, women, youths and vulnerable populations. These initiatives have reinforced the image of the government as one that is responsive to the everyday needs of the people.
Perhaps more importantly, the governor has cultivated a leadership image rooted in humility, accessibility and grassroots engagement. Political observers often point to his longstanding connection with ordinary citizens as one of the factors responsible for his growing popularity across the state.
Unlike distant and highly insulated leadership models, Governor Uba Sani’s style has projected empathy and openness. His frequent engagements with community leaders, youth groups, religious stakeholders and civil society organisations have strengthened public trust and reduced political alienation.
This connection with the grassroots appears to have significantly contributed to the overwhelming affirmation witnessed during the APC primary election. For many party supporters, the primary was not simply about selecting a candidate; it was about expressing appreciation for a leadership they believe has prioritized peace, unity and development and the need for continuity.
The endorsement also sends a broader political message beyond Kaduna State. It suggests that governance rooted in inclusion, dialogue and people-oriented policies can strengthen political legitimacy and deepen democratic acceptance. In a political climate often characterized by polarization n, the Kaduna APC primary showcased an unusual level of consensus and unity.
The role played by party leaders and stakeholders during the exercise further reinforced this impression. The motion for the adoption of the affirmation votes, moved by the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Liman, and unanimously endorsed by delegates amid chants and celebrations, symbolized collective ownership of the process.
Equally significant was the assessment by the Chairman of the Kaduna APC Governorship and House of Assembly Primary Election Committee, Hafiz Ibrahim Kawu, who described the exercise as peaceful, transparent and reflective of growing unity within the party. Such observations are important because they underline the internal stability that the APC currently enjoys in Kaduna State.
In his remarks after the affirmation, Governor Uba Sani acknowledged the support of party members, stakeholders and citizens, describing the endorsement as a renewed mandate to deepen inclusive governance and accelerate development across the state.
His statement captured the central philosophy of his administration — governance driven by dialogue, inclusion and people-oriented policies. According to him, the government has made substantial progress in restoring peace, strengthening unity and expanding development across Kaduna State.
More importantly, he pledged to consolidate existing gains while intensifying efforts to build a more peaceful, prosperous and economically vibrant state. This assurance reflects continuity in policy direction and signals that the administration intends to deepen ongoing reforms and development initiatives.
Ultimately, the APC primary election in Kaduna State has become a powerful referendum on Governor Uba Sani’s first three years in office. The overwhelming 459,393 affirmation votes represent more than party support; they constitute a loud and unmistakable expression of public confidence.
For supporters and political stakeholders alike, the endorsement is seen as recognition of a leadership that has sought to heal divisions, strengthen unity, improve security and place governance closer to the people. It is also viewed as evidence that the APC, under Governor Sani’s stewardship, has become more responsive, accessible and people-centered.
As Kaduna State gradually moves toward the 2027 general election, the outcome of the APC primary has already established a strong political narrative: that Governor Uba Sani’s administration has earned substantial goodwill through its commitment to peace, inclusion and development, and that a significant section of the political landscape believes the state is on a path of continuity and consolidation.
• Abdulrasheed, an architect and good governance advocate, writes from Zaria, Kaduna State
