Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani
Supervisory councillors from the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State have unanimously endorsed Governor Uba Sani for a second term in 2027, pledging to deploy their grassroots structures to mobilise support for his re-election.
The endorsement was announced at a get-together of supervisory councillors in Kaduna with the theme “Harmony and Hope: Building a Better Kaduna Together under His Excellency, Dr Uba Sani,” where participants commended the governor’s leadership for restoring peace, inclusiveness and trust across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the councillors, they noted that Kaduna, once deeply polarised along religious and ethnic lines, is gradually reclaiming its historic reputation as a centre of peaceful coexistence.
They attributed the renewed atmosphere of harmony to deliberate policies and inclusive governance under Governor Sani, which, they said, have helped rebuild confidence between Christian and Muslim communities.
In a paper presentation, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir James A. Kanyip, traced Kaduna’s long journey from the 2000 ethno-religious crisis, which he said entrenched segregation and mutual suspicion among communities.
He recalled that interfaith bonds once characterised by shared festivities and social interactions were eroded by years of violence, fear and mistrust.
Drawing on the reflections of the late Bishop Joseph Danlami Bagobiri, Kanyip stressed that peace goes beyond the absence of conflict, noting that injustice, poverty and marginalisation often present themselves as religious crises.
He observed that since Governor Sani assumed office in May 2023, Kaduna State has not recorded any major ethno-religious violence, a development he described as remarkable given the state’s troubled past.
According to him, a key driver of this progress is the Kaduna Peace Model, a homegrown framework that places traditional and religious leaders at the centre of peace-building efforts.
He said the model prioritises dialogue and early engagement, contributing to stability in previously volatile areas such as Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Kauru and Kajuru.
Kanyip also highlighted the governor’s symbolic leadership, noting his participation in major Christian and Muslim religious events, including Unity Christmas Carols and Islamic celebrations in Zaria, which he said sends a strong message that diversity remains Kaduna’s strength.
He added that the reactivation of the Interfaith Council and the operations of the Bureau of Interfaith Affairs have provided structured platforms for continuous engagement and conflict resolution, while the Kaduna Elders Forum, co-chaired by retired General Zamani Lekwot, offers moral guidance on peace and unity issues.
Beyond dialogue, the commissioner said the administration has linked peace to development by ensuring equitable distribution of infrastructure and social services across the three senatorial zones.
He noted that schools, healthcare facilities, roads and vocational centres are being developed without religious or ethnic bias.
Kanyip further said the restoration of government sponsorship for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages has strengthened religious harmony, while balanced political appointments at state and federal levels have eased long-standing grievances over marginalisation.
Looking ahead, he proposed a Nigerian version of Germany’s “House of One” as a bold step towards institutionalising interfaith unity.
In their separate remarks, Chairman of the Supervisory Councillors, Barrister Lolo Garba Ikara, and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Nura Dabo, thanked Governor Sani for the opportunity to serve and assured him of their full support in 2027.
The event also featured the presentation of an award to Governor Sani as Best Performing Governor in the History of Kaduna State.
Other award recipients included the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Dahiru Liman; Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos; Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Hon. Mohammed Sani Kila; Attorney-General, Sir James A. Kanyip; Hon. Bashir Mamman Dogo Koli; Hon. Peter Dogara Tanko; and Hon. Mohammed Gambo Zion.
