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….Gov Radda Hands Over Defectors to APC National Chairman, Pledges Strong Support for President Tinubu
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed Katsina as a solid All Progressives Congress (APC) stronghold, describing the state’s political structures as historic, deeply rooted, and fully mobilised.
Governor Radda made the remarks during a high-level APC stakeholders’ endorsement meeting, which formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and himself as the sole candidates for the 2027 elections.
The event drew party leaders, elders, former governors and deputy governors, National Assembly members, local government chairmen, councillors, and grassroots representatives from across the state.
The meeting also marked the formal handover of political defectors to the APC, consolidating party unity and strengthening grassroots support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Radda traced Katsina’s long-standing political alliance with the South-West, highlighting decades of mutual respect, cooperation, and shared sacrifices that have shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He recalled the era of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Katsina’s historic support for Chief Moshood Abiola as SDP presidential candidate, and the strategic roles played by Katsina leaders in national politics.
“It was in Katsina that one of the most significant democratic movements in Nigeria was nurtured. Under the leadership of our former Governor, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, the people of Katsina demonstrated unwavering commitment to national progress. Katsina has consistently supported leaders from the South-West, just as they have supported our sons, including President Muhammadu Buhari and now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Governor Radda stated.
He emphasised that Katsina’s support for President Tinubu is rooted in a long-term, principled partnership:
“The people of Katsina have faithfully fulfilled their due, and the people of the South-West have reciprocated. This enduring partnership confirms that our alliance is principled and not a one-time occurrence. Today, we fully endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his second term from 2023 to 2031.”
Governor Radda highlighted the strength and unity of the APC in Katsina State, noting that all 361 councillors, all 34 Local Government Chairmen, and all 34 Local Government Assembly Members are members of the party. He further emphasised that every State Assembly Member, National Assembly Member, and the Governor are APC.
“This shows that the party is fully united and strong in the state,” he said.
Governor Radda personally handed over political defectors, including former governor candidates from PRP, and members from NNPP, PDP, and APGA, to the APC National Chairman, demonstrating Katsina’s inclusive approach to party growth and grassroots mobilisation.
“APC National Chairman, hear me clearly today: Katsina APC is united, cohesive, and fully mobilised. By the grace of Allah, in 2027, Katsina will deliver support for President Tinubu that will rival, and even surpass, what Lagos can offer, directly challenging Lagos State’s Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to recognise Katsina’s growing political influence,” Governor Radda declared.
He thanked APC stakeholders and grassroots members for their massive turnout. Representatives from all 6,650 polling units were present, alongside executives from all 361 wards, local governments, and state party structures.
“This is a clear demonstration that the APC of Katsina is strong, disciplined, and capable of endorsing and delivering on leadership that will advance both the state and the nation,” he said.
Governor Radda further reassured that both his administration and the APC will continue to serve diligently, protect public interests, and strengthen the party across Katsina State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda commended Governor Radda for his leadership and progressive governance. He noted visible improvements across road infrastructure, water supply, education, healthcare, and other critical sectors, which inspired many to join the APC.
He welcomed new members into the party, assuring them equal rights, opportunities, and privileges.
Also, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, described the endorsement as a historic milestone for Katsina State and Nigeria. He commended Governor Radda’s impactful projects and highlighted APC’s national strength, with 29 out of 36 states under its leadership.
He assured Katsina citizens that their strong support for President Tinubu would attract increased federal attention and development interventions.
In the same vein, Former Governor Hon. Aminu Bello Masari traced Katsina State’s historic political role in national stability and democratic progress.
He praised Governor Radda’s leadership for aligning with the state’s values and meeting citizens’ needs. Masari reaffirmed that Katsina APC is united and unwavering, confirming President Tinubu and Governor Radda as the sole APC candidates for 2027.
Chairman of the Katsina State Stakeholders’ Forum, Senator Ibrahim Ida, described the event as a defining moment that cuts across political affiliations.
He highlighted that the endorsement followed extensive consultations and praised both leaders for stabilising the economy, strengthening institutions, and promoting development in the state.
Former Governor Ibrahim Shema affirmed that the emergence of both leaders is by the will of Almighty Allah. He expressed his full support for President Tinubu and Governor Radda, pledging unity, loyalty, and commitment to ensure their success in the 2027 elections.
Hon. Tukur Ahmed Jikamshi, former Deputy Governor and Coordinator of the Katsina State Renewed Hope Agenda Initiative, also pledged unwavering support. He emphasized the importance of solidarity and coordinated efforts among party members and stakeholders to strengthen APC in Katsina and deliver a decisive victory in the 2027 elections.
Alhaji Salisu Mamman Kadandani, Chairman of Chairmen, Katsina State APC Stakeholders, thanked all participants for attending the historic event.
He commended Governor Radda for his commitment to good governance and leadership, acknowledged the unity, resolve, and collective purpose demonstrated by party leaders, officials, stakeholders, and supporters, and prayed for safe journeys home.
The Speaker, Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, said all 34 members of the Katsina State House of Assembly fully support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dikko Umaru Radda as the sole candidates for the 2027 elections, citing the Governor’s visible achievements across communities.
Hon. Sada Soli, on behalf of the 15 National Assembly members, and Senator Dandutse, on behalf of the three Senators, also affirmed their united support, noting that major projects by both leaders justify their endorsement.
Other leaders reiterated their loyalty, including APC State Chairman Hon. Sani J.B. Daura for the State Executive Committee, ALGON Chairman Hon. Rabo Tambaya for 34 Local Government Chairmen and 361 Councillors, Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa for federal political appointees, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Kabir Masari, who praised the leaders for bringing honour to Katsina State and highlighted the state’s strategic political importance in national elections.
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