A Nigerian governor has declared his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, insisting that he will stand by the president despite widespread public discontent over economic hardship.
The governor, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, made the declaration during an interview on Trust TV’s Daily Politics programme on Tuesday, saying his support for Tinubu was based on conviction and a long-standing relationship dating back to Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
“I have no apology supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I will continue to support him till the last minute,” Sani declared.
Asked whether he was prepared to take a political bullet for the president, the governor expressed confidence that history would eventually vindicate his position.
“I can tell you today, tomorrow, and next tomorrow, that I will be vindicated,” he said.
Sani recalled that his relationship with Tinubu began in 1994 during the struggle for the restoration of democratic rule. He noted that Tinubu, who was associated with the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), supported pro-democracy activists despite the risks and persecution faced during military rule.
The governor also defended his support for Tinubu by citing projects and federal institutions he said had benefited Kaduna State, including the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Southern Kaduna, the Federal University of Education in Zaria, the Federal University of Petroleum Resources in Rigachikun, and the proposed conversion of Kaduna Polytechnic into a federal university of technology. He also mentioned the reconstruction of the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road.
According to him, these initiatives were benefits to the state rather than personal favours to him. “The favour he has done is not to me, because he has not given me. It’s to the state,” he said.
Addressing poverty in Northern Nigeria, Sani argued that the region’s challenges predated Tinubu’s presidency but had worsened because of years of neglect. He urged northern leaders to accept responsibility for their failures rather than blame others, declaring, “The northerners are their own problem.”
On insecurity in Kaduna State, the governor acknowledged persistent concerns, particularly attacks in Millennium City. He said he had discussed the situation with military and security officials and that plans were underway to strengthen security in the area.
