By AMOS MATHEW, Kaduna –
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has declared that his administration’s leadership style, rooted in inclusivity, fairness, justice, and even development across all regions of the state, has continued to attract defectors from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at a mega rally held over the weekend at the Kafanchan Township Stadium, where Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, who represents Southern Kaduna Senatorial District, and three other lawmakers officially joined the APC, Governor Sani said Kaduna is now “one big happy family” under the ruling party.
He recalled that as of May 29, 2023, the opposition held 12 out of the state’s 16 House of Representatives seats, while the APC had just four. “But in the last two and a half years, 10 House of Representatives members have defected to APC. In the state Assembly, PDP had 12 members, but seven have now joined us. This shows that we are running an inclusive government,” he said.
Governor Sani noted that with the latest defections, Southern Kaduna, which had been a traditional stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since 1999, has now become a strong base for the APC, as all elected lawmakers from the zone have joined the ruling party.
The defectors include Hon. Dan Amos, representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency; Hon. Ali Kalat, representing Jema’a Constituency in the State Assembly; and Hon. Yusuf Mugu, representing Kaura Constituency, alongside thousands of their supporters.
Governor Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equitable development, saying, “When we came on board, we took an oath to be fair to all, to ensure inclusivity, and to treat everyone equitably, irrespective of political, religious or ethnic affiliation.”
He added that every local government area is now benefiting from his administration’s transformation efforts in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture.
“Twelve out of twenty-three local governments in Kaduna State had not benefited from even a one-kilometre road in 12 years. Today, that story has changed,” the governor said.
He cited several ongoing road projects, including the 22-kilometre Madauchi–Kafanchan road in Zangon Kataf Local Government, now nearing completion, and the 24-kilometre Gwantu–Godogodo road linking Jema’a and Sanga, which is already 70 percent done.
The governor also mentioned the 28-kilometre Kauru–Kubau road project, numerous township roads in Jaba and Kagarko, and the road linking Kachia to the Federal University of Applied Sciences, recently approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Representing President Tinubu at the event, Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, said Southern Kaduna has “woken up to the reality” of the President’s reforms, which, according to him, have positively impacted the lives of Nigerians nationwide.
He praised Governor Uba Sani for his performance, saying, “Thank you for containing terror in the state and for your giant steps in development. The defectors are seasoned leaders who will strengthen the APC and deliver more progress for their people.”
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the defection of Senator Katung and Hon. Dan Amos as a “political earthquake.”
He hailed both men for their integrity, competence, and service, noting that Hon. Amos, as Chairman of the House Committee on Services, had earned the respect of members and staff through his dedication and selflessness.
“Hon. Amos showed rare leadership. When challenges arose, he stood firm; when resources were scarce, he gave from his own. That is true service,” the Speaker said.
