Beyond the Old Order: Why Southern Kaduna Must Trust Governor Uba Sani and Engage the Center
By Victor Mathew Bobai
As the 2027 political season begins to take shape, Southern Kaduna stands once again at a critical crossroad. The collapse of the once-dominant coalition around former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the weakening grip of the PDP in the region present not just a vacuum—but an opportunity. An opportunity to redefine our political future, renegotiate our place in Kaduna State, and most importantly, reimagine our engagement with the center of power in Nigeria.
It is time Southern Kaduna gives Governor Uba Sani the benefit of trust and support, not just as the sitting governor, but as a political bridge-builder capable of negotiating better deals for our people within the context of a broader democratic frontier. Unlike the political isolation that has marked our recent past, Governor Uba Sani has shown a more civil, conciliatory, and development-driven approach to governance.
He may not be perfect, but unlike the bitter and rigid pathways of the previous administration under Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Uba Sani offers a new tone—less combative, more inclusive. It is this openness that Southern Kaduna must strategically engage with, not reject.
Governor Uba Sani has the political will and technical capacity to open new frontiers for a younger generation of political leaders from our region—leaders not tied to the usual elitist circles that have benefited from recycled privilege and exclusionary deals. If supported, his leadership could usher in a fresh democratic architecture that includes women, youth, grassroots mobilizers, and faith-based actors into the heart of governance.
Moreover, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pushing toward constitutional reforms, this is the best time for Southern Kaduna to stay close to the federal center. Tinubu understands the historical cry for justice and autonomy from our region, and if there’s ever a chance for Southern Kaduna State to become a reality, it will only happen through strategic engagement, not opposition grandstanding.
We must abandon the politics of permanent opposition. It has brought us symbolism, but not power. It has stirred emotion, but not economic empowerment. It has given us visibility, but not voice. The truth is, the center of power is where decisions are made—and Southern Kaduna must be at the table, not outside the room.
I am confident that with President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, Southern Kaduna can witness a new era—one where possibilities replace persecution, and inclusion replaces isolation. Our people have suffered enough from reactive politics. It is time to play smart. It is time to trust leadership that is willing to listen.
To my fellow Southern Kaduna brothers and sisters: let us not retreat into outdated political sentiments. Let us build alliances, negotiate smartly, and advance as partners, not as permanent protesters. With these two gentlemen—Tinubu and Uba Sani—everything is possible, and the future is positive.
Victor Mathew Bobai writes from Sabon Tasha, Kaduna.
