Paragraph 1: North-West Region’s Flourishing Under Tinubu, Claims Governor Sani
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has proclaimed the North-West region as the "heartbeat" of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and asserted that the zone is experiencing a resurgence under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. Speaking at an APC North-West Stakeholders Meeting in Kaduna, Governor Sani, who also serves as the region’s APC Coordinating Governor, lauded President Tinubu’s decisive actions during a challenging period in Nigeria’s history. He emphasized the President’s courage in implementing bold reforms, which Sani believes are beginning to yield positive results and garner appreciation from Nigerians. The Governor highlighted the improved security situation in the North-West, a region previously plagued by banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping. He attributed the relative peace to the Tinubu administration’s efforts, contrasting the current stability with the past when travel and farming were severely hampered.
Paragraph 2: North-West’s Prominence in Tinubu’s Administration and Infrastructure Development
Governor Sani further underscored the North-West’s significant representation in the Tinubu administration, noting the region’s 12 ministerial appointments, including key positions such as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Deputy Senate President, APC National Chairman, Chief of Defence Staff, and Chief of Air Staff. He showcased major infrastructural projects either completed or underway in the region, including the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway, the Ilella-Badagry Road Project, Kaduna and Kano Rail Projects, and the construction of the Birnin Gwari-Kaduna and Jere-Kafanchan roads. These projects, according to Sani, demonstrate the administration’s commitment to developing the North-West.
Paragraph 3: Targeted Investments and Development Initiatives in the North-West
Beyond infrastructure, Governor Sani outlined other significant investments aimed at boosting the North-West’s economy and social well-being. He pointed to the allocation of N95 billion for the rehabilitation of three dams in Kano, the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development, and the creation of the North-West Development Commission, which boasts the largest budget among regional commissions. He also highlighted the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia and the upgrade of Patrick Yakowa General Hospital in Kafanchan to a Federal Medical Centre, further solidifying the administration’s commitment to the region’s progress. Sani concluded by urging party stakeholders to consolidate their gains and mobilize support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Paragraph 4: Deputy Senate President Predicts Landslide Victory for Tinubu in 2027
Echoing Governor Sani’s optimism, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin expressed confidence in a landslide victory for President Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 general elections. He attributed the recent wave of defections from opposition parties to the APC to President Tinubu’s effective handling of security and economic challenges, particularly within the North-West. Jibrin acknowledged the ongoing nature of the security improvements but emphasized the tangible progress being made, highlighting the increased accessibility of previously inaccessible areas. He also commended the performance of APC governors, crediting them with strengthening the party’s dominance in the region.
Paragraph 5: APC Chieftain Addresses Defections and Party Management
In Osun State, APC chieftain Olatunbosun Oyintiloye addressed the issue of defections to the APC, urging opposition parties to refrain from blaming President Tinubu for their internal struggles. He argued that the defections stem from ideological alignment with the President’s "Renewed Hope Agenda" and are not a result of coercion. Oyintiloye attributed the decisions to leave opposition parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to feelings of marginalization and unfair treatment within their former political homes. He downplayed the threat to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy posed by these defections, citing the existence of over 60 registered political parties.
Paragraph 6: Balancing New Members and Loyalists within the APC
Oyintiloye, a former member of the Osun State House of Assembly, stressed the importance of the APC carefully managing the influx of new members while simultaneously safeguarding the interests of long-standing, loyal party members. He cautioned against potential internal friction and advocated for strengthening internal democracy within the APC to accommodate both new defectors and existing loyalists. This, he believes, is crucial for sustaining the party’s gains and maintaining a cohesive and unified front.
