Governor Uba Sani has unapologetically declared Kaduna a one-party state under the All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming that no opposition exists. This bold assertion marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Kaduna, where Sani emphasizes the ruling party’s dominance.
Sani stated, “We have brought Kaduna into a one-party state and I have no apology for that.” His confidence stems from what he describes as substantial support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he claims has done more for northern Nigeria than any other president in less than three years.
That context matters because it highlights the backdrop against which these declarations are made. Prior to 2023, Kaduna faced severe challenges including insecurity and poor infrastructure. Today, however, improvements in infrastructure have reportedly boosted economic activities across the state.
Key developments include:
- A new Light Rail project spanning a 50 km corridor, with an estimated cost of N1 trillion.
- The construction of the 122 km Mandu-Birnin Gwari Road, costing approximately N178 billion.
- Significant enhancements in security have allowed residents to travel without military escorts.
Sani expressed confidence that if elections were held at polling units, President Tinubu would secure 70 percent of the votes. He criticized opposition parties, accusing them of attempting to undermine democracy in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Sani also pointed out that Kaduna has benefited more from federal support than southern states under Tinubu’s administration. This claim seeks to bolster his narrative of political dominance and effective governance.
Observers note that while Sani’s assertions reflect his administration’s ambitions, they also raise questions about the future role of opposition parties in Kaduna. Will they challenge this political monopoly or adapt to the new realities?