From Kamilu Lawal, Katsina.
Stakeholders and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina State have formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dikko Umaru Radda as the party’s sole candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was made at a high-level APC stakeholders’ meeting in Katsina which was attended by party leaders, elders, former governors and deputy governors, National and State Assembly members, local government chairmen, councillors and grassroots representatives from across the state.
The meeting also witnessed the formal reception of political defectors from other parties into the APC, further consolidating party unity and strengthening its grassroots base ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking at the event, Governor Radda reaffirmed Katsina’s status as a solid APC stronghold, describing the party’s structures in the state as historic, deeply rooted and fully mobilised.
He 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.
Governor Radda recalled the era of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Katsina’s historic support for Chief Moshood Abiola during the SDP era, 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,” he said.
According to him, Katsina has consistently supported leaders from the South-West, just as the region supported Katsina’s sons, including former President Muhammadu Buhari and now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governor Radda said the state’s endorsement of President Tinubu was based on a long-standing, 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 not a one-time occurrence,” he said, adding that Katsina fully endorses President Tinubu for a second term.
He highlighted the strength of the APC in the state, noting that all 361 councillors, all 34 local government chairmen and assembly members, as well as all State and National Assembly members from Katsina, belong to the party.
Governor Radda formally handed over political defectors, including former governorship candidates from the PRP and members of the NNPP, PDP and APGA, to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
“Katsina APC is united, cohesive and fully mobilised. By the grace of Allah, in 2027, Katsina will deliver overwhelming support for President Tinubu,” he declared.
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda, commended Governor Radda’s leadership and governance, citing improvements in road infrastructure, water supply, education and healthcare as factors attracting more people to the party.
He welcomed the new members and assured them of equal rights and opportunities within the APC.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, described the endorsement as historic, noting that the APC currently governs 29 states across the federation.
He said Katsina’s support for President Tinubu would translate into more federal attention and development.
Former Governor Aminu Bello Masari also traced Katsina’s historic role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution and praised Governor Radda for aligning governance with the needs of the people.
He reaffirmed the unity of the Katsina APC and its endorsement of both leaders for 2027.
Chairman of the Katsina State APC Stakeholders’ Forum, Senator Ibrahim Ida, said the endorsement followed extensive consultations across political divides and praised President Tinubu and Governor Radda for stabilising the economy and strengthening institutions.
Former Governor Ibrahim Shema, Hon. Tukur Ahmed Jikamshi, Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, and several other leaders also pledged loyalty and total support for the two leaders.
They unanimously affirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dikko Umaru Radda as the APC’s sole candidates for the 2027 general elections.
