Shettima Hails Governor Uba Sani for Strengthening APC's Grip in Kaduna State
Vice President Kashim Shettima has publicly praised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for his leadership in transforming the state into a stronghold for the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking at the commissioning of the Tudun Biri Resettlement Scheme on Sunday, February 1, Shettima highlighted how Governor Sani's efforts have significantly expanded the ruling party's political base across the state.
Reversing 2023 Election Losses Through Strategic Defections
Shettima reflected on the challenging outcome of the 2023 general elections, where the APC suffered substantial losses in Kaduna. He noted that the party lost all three Senate seats to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and secured only four out of sixteen National Assembly seats, with the PDP holding ten and the Labour Party two. However, recent political realignments have dramatically shifted this landscape.
The Vice President stated, "Governor Uba Sani, we are most grateful. You are gradually turning Kaduna into a one-party state, with House of Representatives members representing Soba, Makarfi and Kudan on their way to the APC." He attributed this change to what he described as the conscious and deliberate efforts of Governor Sani and party leaders to build trust across political divides.
Notable Defections and Unprecedented Gains
Shettima emphasized that several prominent opposition figures have recently defected to the APC, including former Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero and Senator Sunday Marshal. He described developments in Southern Kaduna as particularly unprecedented, noting that the zone had consistently elected senators on the PDP platform since 1999.
"This is the first time in living memory that the APC has a senator in Southern Kaduna, due to the singular effort of Governor Uba Sani," Shettima remarked. He also announced the defection of a serving House of Representatives member from Igabi Federal Constituency, one of the largest constituencies in Nigeria with about 600 polling units and over 400,000 registered voters.
Inclusive Governance as the Catalyst for Political Shift
The Vice President credited Governor Sani's leadership style for fostering confidence across political and regional lines, which he identified as the primary reason for the wave of defections. "This is leadership. Without your inclusive approach, I don't think Sunday Marshal and other leaders in Southern Kaduna would have joined the APC," he added.
Shettima further commended the Kaduna State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government on the Tudun Biri Resettlement Scheme, describing it as an example of responsive governance that addresses community needs following the accidental bombing in December 2023.
Governor Sani's Response and Vision for Peace
In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving Tudun Biri as the first beneficiary of the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflicts. He emphasized that peace can only be sustained through development, inclusion, and economic opportunity, alongside security measures.
Governor Sani's approach underscores a broader strategy where inclusive governance and tangible development initiatives are seen as essential for maintaining unity and stability in Kaduna State. This political environment has not only attracted defections but also reinforced the APC's dominance in the region.
