Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called for stronger political coordination, strategic communication, and deeper grassroots engagement among stakeholders across the North-West, warning that the region must remain united to sustain its influence in national politics.
Governor Radda made the call during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja, which brought together senior political figures serving in the Federal Government, members of the National Assembly, heads of federal agencies, and other influential stakeholders from Katsina State and the wider North-West region.
The meeting, described by participants as “power-packed,” focused on strengthening political structures, improving stakeholder collaboration, and repositioning the North-West within Nigeria’s evolving political and development landscape.
Addressing the gathering, the governor stressed the urgent need to revive the Katsina Stakeholders’ Forum as a strategic platform for consultation, policy alignment, political unity, and collective contribution to governance.
“This forum must be revived to enable us to work together in putting Katsina forward and contributing meaningfully to governance and the growth of our party,” Radda declared.
The governor also urged political leaders and stakeholders to actively defend and promote the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, insisting that government officials and party leaders must take ownership of the administration’s narrative.
According to him, the Tinubu administration remains committed to delivering transformational policies despite economic and political challenges facing the country.
“We must not shy away from telling our story. The successes of this administration must be communicated clearly and consistently. There is a need to change the narrative and ensure our people fully understand the direction of government,” the governor stated.
Radda emphasized that communication remains one of the most critical pillars of governance, warning that failure to properly engage citizens creates room for misinformation and political manipulation.
He urged stakeholders to maximize the use of radio, print media, and other communication platforms to inform the public about government programmes and achievements.
“Communication is central to governance. If we do not tell our story, others will tell it for us. We must utilize radio, print, and other platforms to keep our people informed and engaged,” he added.
The governor further called on political leaders across the North-West to sustain the region’s traditional dominance in national politics by strengthening grassroots mobilization and maintaining political relevance ahead of future political transitions.
He urged stakeholders to reconnect with their local constituencies and reinforce party structures at ward, local government, and state levels.
“We must return to our grassroots, engage directly with our people, and demonstrate our relevance at the ward, local government, and state levels,” he said.
During the meeting, stakeholders reportedly raised concerns over inadequate consultation in governance processes, particularly at the local government level.
Responding, Governor Radda acknowledged the concerns and stressed that inclusive governance remains essential for political stability and effective administration.
“We must ensure that critical stakeholders are carried along in decision-making processes at all levels. Inclusive governance is not optional; it is essential,” he emphasized.
The governor assured participants that deliberate efforts would be made to strengthen coordination mechanisms and improve collaboration among political leaders and government institutions.
The meeting also focused on the need for improved funding of federal agencies operating within the region to enhance service delivery, especially at the grassroots level.
Another major issue discussed was the alleged underrepresentation of the North-West, particularly Katsina State, in federal civil service recruitment.
Stakeholders reportedly expressed fears that the current replacement-based recruitment system could further marginalize the region if urgent corrective measures are not introduced.
Governor Radda assured the gathering that engagements would be initiated with relevant federal authorities to ensure equitable representation and fair access to employment opportunities for people from the region.
“We will engage the appropriate institutions to ensure that our people are not left behind. Equity and fairness must guide all recruitment processes,” he said.
Participants at the meeting also resolved to institutionalize regular sittings of the stakeholders’ forum to sustain political engagement and coordination.
There were proposals for the forum to be chaired by a former governor to guarantee inclusiveness and wider acceptability, while a serving minister would function as co-chair and provide secretariat support.
In addition, stakeholders endorsed plans for coordinated communication strategies, including dedicated radio programmes, jingles, and structured messaging campaigns aimed at reshaping public perception and promoting government achievements.
Political analysts believe the meeting signals growing efforts by North-West political leaders to consolidate regional influence and strengthen internal political structures ahead of future electoral contests.
Observers also noted that Governor Radda’s emphasis on communication, grassroots mobilization, and stakeholder engagement reflects increasing recognition among political leaders that public perception and political coordination will play decisive roles in future political battles.
The meeting ended with renewed commitments from participants to strengthen unity, deepen collaboration, and sustain the North-West’s strategic role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“Together, through unity, coordination, and strategic engagement, we can achieve more for Katsina State, the North-West, and Nigeria as a whole,” Governor Radda concluded.
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