Local government politics central to national development, says Radda

The role of local government in national development and democratic governance came into focus in Katsina on Saturday as stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) examined the importance of grassroots engagement in the country’s political process.
The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, who made the observation while hosting the North-West Zonal quarterly meeting of the Forum of APC Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria, said local government politics remained important to the overall development of the country and the success of political parties.

Radda, who declared the meeting open, described grassroots mobilisation as a critical component of political organisation, noting that the local government level provides an important connection between leadership and the people.
“As a party man, I know that grassroots mobilisation is core to the success of any political party. Local government politics is important to the overall development of our country and the success of any political party,” he said.

The governor commended the Forum’s National Chairman, Henry Fagbenro, and members of his team for their activities, acknowledging their efforts towards strengthening political structures at the grassroots.
In his remarks, Fagbenro called for greater cooperation among political leaders, local government chairmen and other stakeholders, stressing that effective grassroots engagement requires collective responsibility.

He urged members of the Forum to uphold democratic values, encourage wider political participation and avoid divisive tendencies capable of undermining national cohesion.
On the forthcoming 2027 General Elections, Fagbenro asked APC stakeholders to mobilise support for the party’s candidates at all levels, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose re-election, he said, should be a priority for party members.

He argued that sustained support for the administration would provide an opportunity to consolidate its first-term efforts in economic stability, infrastructural development, education, human development and capacity building.
Fagbenro also emphasised the importance of national unity, declaring that political and regional differences should not be allowed to undermine the country’s shared identity.

“The unity of this nation is non-negotiable. We are Naija,” he said.
He assured the Governor that the Forum would continue its engagement with party members and stakeholders across the grassroots.

The meeting was attended by APC leaders and stakeholders from across the North-West geopolitical zone.
At the event, the Forum presented a plaque of honour to Governor Radda and decorated him as Patron of the Forum for the Northern states.