Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State used the All Progressives Congress (APC) North-West Zonal Congress in Kaduna to project himself as a unifying force within the party while strongly defending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda and consolidating political gains in the region.

Addressing party leaders, delegates, and stakeholders, Sani described the congress as a reaffirmation of the APC’s democratic identity and grassroots structure.

“This Zonal Congress stands as a powerful affirmation of the APC’s identity as a truly democratic and grassroots-driven political party,” he said, adding that leadership within the party is “freely chosen through transparent processes that respect the will of the people.”

He described Kaduna’s role as host as both an honour and a responsibility, noting its strategic importance in shaping the party’s future.

A major highlight of the event was the reception of new entrants into the APC, including Governors Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.

Sani personally welcomed the decampees, describing their defection as “momentous” and vital to strengthening the party’s national outlook.

“We receive you with open arms, in a spirit of unity, mutual respect, and shared destiny,” he said.

He also stressed equality within the party, stating that all members—old and new—stand on equal footing.

“Whether you joined years ago or today, you stand on equal footing with all members. This is a party where commitment, contribution, and conviction, not chronology, define relevance,” he said.

On national issues, Sani expressed strong support for the Tinubu administration, praising its reform agenda and describing the President’s leadership as driven by “courage, clarity of vision, and an unyielding commitment to repositioning Nigeria for sustainable progress.”

He highlighted gains under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in agriculture, energy, and economic reforms, noting that targeted interventions were boosting productivity and improving efficiency in key sectors.

Sani also pointed to social programmes such as the student loan scheme, saying it had expanded access to education by removing financial barriers for young Nigerians.

On infrastructure, he said federal investments in roads, rail, and energy were already reconnecting communities, stimulating commerce, and unlocking economic opportunities nationwide.

The governor further localised these achievements, saying the North-West was already experiencing positive changes.
“Security has improved, farmers are returning to their fields, markets are thriving again, and confidence is steadily being restored in our communities,” he said.

He urged party members to maintain unity and discipline, stressing that the congress was not only about leadership selection but also about strengthening party structures and strategy.

“This Congress is not only about leadership selection; it is about strengthening our unity, deepening our structures, and aligning our strategies for the future,” he said.

He also encouraged delegates to take the government’s message to their constituencies, saying: “Tell our people that the North-West is on a path of progress and that greater opportunities lie ahead.”

The event was attended by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, governors from all seven North-West states, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, ministers, and other top government officials.