POLITICS TODAY

By Hon. Salisu Tanko Wusono,

In a political environment where personal interests too often overshadow the needs of the people, Kaduna State is today writing a new and inspiring chapter—one defined by unity, vision, and action. At the center of this transformation is an extraordinary partnership between two of Kaduna’s finest sons: His Excellency, Senator Dr. Uba Sani, Executive Governor of Kaduna State, and Rt. Hon. Dr. Abbas Tajuddeen (Iyan Zazzau), the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

For the first time in Nigeria’s democratic history, a sitting state governor and a serving Speaker of the National Assembly are not just from the same state, but are working side-by-side with an unprecedented level of synergy and shared purpose. It is a partnership that has gone beyond political party lines or personal ambition. Instead, it is a collaboration rooted in love for Kaduna State and a deep commitment to delivering tangible results to the people.

Their relationship is not ceremonial. It is productive. It is focused. And most importantly, it is yielding concrete dividends.

Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen has used his strategic position in the National Assembly to bring long-awaited relief to his constituents and beyond. Under his leadership, several abandoned federal projects in Zaria that had been neglected by previous administrations have been revived and are now seeing steady progress. Roads, water systems, and community-based projects that were once forgotten are now alive again, bringing back hope to thousands of citizens.

His efforts have also brought about the approval for establishment of new federal institutions in Zaria, reinforcing the town’s historic role as a center of learning, culture, and national significance. This includes new opportunities for educational growth, job creation, and economic stimulation, especially for the youth.

Beyond his immediate constituency, Speaker Abbas and Senator have shown a rare commitment to inclusive development. For decades, Southern Kaduna was sidelined in the allocation of federal infrastructure and institutions. That is no longer the case.

Through the tireless lobbying by Governor Uba Sani and legislative diplomacy of Speaker Tajuddeen, two major federal projects have been brought to Southern Kaduna: the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences in Kachia, and the Federal Medical Centre—both of which are already at various stages of planning and execution. These institutions will not only provide vital health and educational services, but also open up employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for thousands of residents in the region.

At the state level, Governor Uba Sani has proven to be a leader with a people-first approach. His administration has prioritized rural development, youth empowerment, and security reforms, working closely with federal counterparts to secure Kaduna State and stimulate investment.

The Governor has shown maturity and political wisdom in maintaining a cordial and effective relationship with the Speaker. Rather than see him as a rival, he sees him as a brother and partner in development. This maturity has made it possible for both leaders to work seamlessly for the benefit of the state.

As Governor Uba Sani recently remarked, “When leadership is about service and not ego, progress is inevitable. Speaker Abbas and I are committed to serving Kaduna State with everything we have.” The Speaker, for his part, has consistently echoed this vision, stating in a town hall meeting, “This is a moment in history we must not waste. Governor Uba Sani and I are united by purpose, not politics. We are here to serve.”

This partnership has also translated into significant political gains. The Kaduna APC is today stronger and more united than ever before, as evidenced by the recent wave of high-profile defections from opposition parties into the ruling party. In a single historic political shift, 21 prominent politicians, including elected representatives, former lawmakers, and party stalwarts from the PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP, officially defected to the APC.

Leading the wave of decampees was Senator Suleiman Uthman Hunkuyi, Senator Shehu Sani, Senator Danjuma Laah, a respected Southern Kaduna figure, alongside Hon. Godfrey Ali Gaiya, former House of Reps member, and Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, the current representative of Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency. They were joined by Hon. Donatus K. Mathew (Kaura Federal Constituency), Hon. Henry Marah Zakarieh (Jaba Constituency, Kaduna State House of Assembly), and Hon. Samuel Kambai Koza (Zango Constituency, Kaduna State House of Assembly).

Others include Barr. Emmanuel Kantiok (Zonkwa Constituency), Hon. Ado Doguwa Audu, a three-time member of the House of Representatives, and top Labour Party figures such as Eng. Michael Auta, the party’s Zone 3 senatorial candidate in the 2023 elections. From the NNPP came influential names like Hon. Kenneth Suwa, Hon. Ben Kure, and former state chairman Hon. Nuhu Audu. Most recently, Hon. Hussaini Muhammad Jalo, the member representing Igabi Federal Constituency, also declared his defection to the APC, further consolidating the party’s grassroots strength across Kaduna.

This growing political strength is not accidental. It is the result of deliberate efforts to deliver on promises, carry people along, and operate an open-door leadership style that listens, engages, and acts. People are beginning to align with performance, not propaganda—with leaders who build, not those who divide.

What is happening in Kaduna State today is more than just state politics, it is a lesson in governance for the entire country. It shows that when leaders put aside rivalry, respect their individual roles, and pursue a shared vision, development follows naturally.

From the rejuvenation of abandoned projects to the establishment of new institutions, increased federal presence, and unprecedented political unity, this unique partnership is redefining what is possible in Nigerian politics.

As the APC Publicity Secretary for Kaduna State, I proudly say this: the collaborative leadership of Governor Uba Sani and Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen is one of the greatest assets our state has today. They are not just leaders. They are pathfinders. And their legacy will be written in the roads they build, the schools they open, the hospitals they commission, the opportunities they create, and the lives they touch.

Kaduna State is rising. And it is because two men chose unity over ego, service over ambition, and progress over politics.

Wusono is the Kaduna State APC Publicity Secretary