A prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State has launched a scathing critique of Governor Dikko Radda's recent tour of the state's local government areas. Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), described the exercise as an unnecessary political jamboree disguised as an official assessment.
Tour Labelled as Premature Campaigning
In an interview with journalists on December 22, 2025, Dr. Inuwa clarified that while governors are expected to inspect projects and identify challenges, Governor Radda's tour seemed primarily aimed at kick-starting his political campaign. He argued that the timing was inappropriate, as the period for such political activity was still several months away.
"Such a tour should not be an avenue to indirectly kick-start political campaigns," Inuwa stated, emphasizing that the focus should have been on governance, not politics.
Allegations of 'Deceptive' Empowerment and Lack of Projects
The ADC chieftain leveled serious allegations against the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led state government regarding the tour's activities. He claimed the tour revealed a stark absence of tangible projects ready for commissioning across the councils.
"If you followed the governor around the state, you would realise that there was virtually no tangible project to commission in any of the local governments. Virtually nothing," Inuwa asserted.
He further alleged that the much-publicized empowerment programs were a sham. According to him, items displayed for distribution, such as equipment and materials, were often hired or temporarily assembled for the media and later returned to their owners.
Inuwa provided a specific example involving cash disbursements: "In cases where money was distributed, for instance, ₦50,000 given to women, we later discovered that the money was collected back after the ceremony, and only about ₦5,000 was eventually left with them."
He also accused the government of partisan distribution, claiming benefits were selectively targeted at known APC members and loyalists, contrary to the principle that public funds should serve all citizens equally.
Government's Firm Rejection of the Claims
In response to these allegations, the Director General of Media to the Governor, Maiwada Danmalam, issued a strong rebuttal. Danmalam defended the governor's tour, stating that Governor Dikko Radda did not contravene any constitutional provision by embarking on the assessment of local government areas.
He categorically dismissed the claim that empowerment items were hired for the tour, describing the allegation as being contrary to the realities on the ground. The government's position is that the tour was a legitimate exercise in governance and project inspection.
The exchange highlights the growing political tensions in Katsina State, with opposition figures scrutinizing the incumbent administration's methods and use of public resources as the political cycle gradually approaches.
