Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State told Channels Television that he expects strong support for President Bola Tinubu from Nigerians, especially those in the North, in the next presidential election. Sani argued that the Tinubu administration has stabilised the economy since taking office in 2023 and that opposition figures have failed to present credible policy alternatives in education, health and agriculture.
Speaking on Monday, the governor said many of the critics were formerly members of the same political establishment and have only recently rebranded themselves as “activists” and “pro‑democracy” campaigners. “Will they offer Nigerians an alternative programme for education, health or agriculture?” he asked. “I have been with them yesterday; today they appear as activists overnight.”
Sani maintained that ordinary Nigerians, particularly in rural communities, are aware of the backgrounds of opposition politicians and care more about practical solutions than rhetoric. “The people in the villages know these individuals and their histories. The question is whether any opposition can offer something better. The answer so far is no,” he said, adding that the electorate is looking for tangible results rather than promises.
Addressing ongoing tensions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over a consensus candidate, Sani said he was not concerned. He noted that while a consensus ticket is permissible under the Electoral Act, it must be reached voluntarily by all aspirants. “I have called the aspirants together and said if consensus is possible we should adopt it; if not, the law is clear,” he explained. “You cannot force consensus on anyone. All aspirants must sit together and agree.”
The governor also stressed that, despite any personal preferences governors may have, the final decision on party candidates rests with party members during the primaries. “Party members have the ultimate say on who emerges as the candidate,” he said.
Sani’s comments come as the APC prepares for its internal nomination process, with party leaders seeking to balance divergent interests while projecting unity ahead of the upcoming presidential poll. Observers note that the governor’s reassurance of northern support for Tinubu reflects a broader strategy to consolidate the incumbent’s base amid growing calls for internal reform within the ruling party. The next few weeks will determine whether the consensus model gains traction or whether the APC will move to a contested primary, a development that could shape the contest for Nigeria’s highest office.
