Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, saying he is prepared to defend his political position despite public concerns over economic hardship.
Sani made the declaration during an interview on Trust TV’s Daily Politics programme on Tuesday. He said his backing for Tinubu came from personal conviction and their shared history in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
“I have no apology supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I will continue to support him till the last minute,” the governor said.
When asked whether he was ready to take a political bullet for the president, Sani expressed confidence that time would vindicate his decision.
Uba Sani Links Tinubu Support to Pro-Democracy Struggle
The Kaduna governor said his relationship with Tinubu dates back to 1994, when both men were involved in efforts to restore democratic rule in Nigeria.
He recalled Tinubu’s association with the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which opposed military rule and campaigned for democracy.
According to Sani, Tinubu supported pro-democracy activists during that period despite the risks involved. Some activists were forced into exile during the military era.
The governor said their shared experience shaped his view of Tinubu and influenced his decision to support the president’s political ambition.
He maintained that his position was based on conviction rather than a desire to secure personal benefits from the federal government.
Governor Cites Federal Projects in Kaduna
Sani also pointed to federal projects and institutional initiatives in Kaduna State as reasons for supporting Tinubu’s administration.
He listed four university-related initiatives, including the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Southern Kaduna, the Federal University of Education in Zaria and the Federal University of Petroleum Resources in Rigachikun.
He also mentioned a proposed conversion of Kaduna Polytechnic into a federal university of technology.
The governor further cited the reconstruction of the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road and appointments of Kaduna indigenes to senior federal positions.
Sani argued that these developments benefited the state rather than serving as personal favours to him.
“The favour he has done is not to me, because he has not given me. It’s to the state,” he said.
His remarks come as political parties and their leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sani Challenges Opposition to Present an Alternative
Addressing the possibility of northern voters rejecting Tinubu over economic hardship, Sani said opposition parties must offer Nigerians a credible alternative.
He argued that simply urging voters not to support the president would not solve the country’s problems.
“When you say don’t vote for Asiwaju, you must bring an alternative,” he said.
Sani acknowledged the severe poverty affecting northern Nigeria but argued that the problem existed before Tinubu assumed office.
He said successive leaders had failed to address the region’s challenges adequately, allowing them to worsen over time.
The governor compared the situation to a neglected building that becomes increasingly difficult to repair after years without maintenance.
He also recalled urging northern political leaders to examine their records and acknowledge their shortcomings.
Sani said the region’s leaders must accept responsibility for their role in the challenges facing their communities rather than blaming others alone.
“The northerners are their own problem. We shouldn’t run away,” he said, calling for honest reflection and greater accountability.
Kaduna Insecurity Remains a Concern
Despite his defence of the Tinubu administration, Sani acknowledged continuing security concerns in Kaduna State, particularly attacks reported in Millennium City.
He said he had held discussions with military and other security officials about the situation.
According to the governor, plans were underway to strengthen the security presence in the affected area.
The security challenge remains an important issue for residents as the state continues efforts to protect communities and respond to attacks.
Sani’s comments place his support for Tinubu within a broader debate over the administration’s record, economic hardship and insecurity ahead of the 2027 elections. His position also highlights the pressure on political leaders to defend their alliances while addressing voters’ concerns.