* Gov. Appeals for Support Ahead of 2027 Elections
* Association Pledges Support for Tinubu-Radda Administration
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called for greater unity, structured engagement and mutual support among ex- Local Government Chairmen, members of the State House of Assembly and other members of their association.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammad, chief press secretary to the Governor, said he stressed the importance of their wealth of experience in strengthening political engagement, governance and development in Katsina State.
Governor Radda made the call yesterday when he received members of the association, including former Local Government Chairmen, lawmakers, party leaders, women and youth representatives and other stakeholders, at the Government House, Katsina.
The Governor said his relationship with members of the association dated back many years, recalling his interactions with them during his service as Chief of Staff to the Katsina State Governor, at SMEDAN and subsequently as Governor.
He expressed appreciation to members for their longstanding support throughout his political journey, noting that their contributions had remained significant to his emergence and continued service to the state.
“I sincerely thank you because your support for us did not start today. Since I contested for political office, many members of this association stood by us and supported our efforts until we achieved electoral success and reached the position we are in today,” Governor Radda said.
Governor Radda also acknowledged the political foundation provided by past leaders, particularly the late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, whose leadership, he said, helped guide many political actors, including members of the legislature, during an important period in the state’s political development.
He noted that politics remained fundamentally rooted in the grassroots, where political actors understood their communities, voters and the credibility of individuals within their constituencies.
The Governor therefore urged members of the association to deploy their experience and knowledge of grassroots politics towards strengthening political engagement and governance.
“I have no doubt about the capacity of members of this association and what you can contribute to politics and governance,” he said.
Governor Radda stressed the need for political actors to recognise changing realities and the challenges confronting society, particularly those affecting young people.
He urged leaders to remain responsive to the needs and expectations of the people while supporting initiatives aimed at improving their welfare.
The Governor said his administration would continue to do its best to provide good governance and deliver meaningful projects and programmes to the people.
He, however, cautioned political stakeholders against actions or statements capable of undermining the goodwill built over time.
“We may accomplish many things, but one or two careless words or actions can damage the goodwill that has been built. That is the reality of politics,” Governor Radda cautioned.
Governor Radda supported the proposal to establish clusters based on the federal constituencies, As part of efforts to strengthen the association’s organisation and coordination.
He suggested the creation of about 15 clusters to bring together former Local Government Chairmen and former members of the State House of Assembly, providing a structured platform for members to identify areas where they could contribute.
The Governor said the clusters could develop clear templates defining members’ roles and areas of contribution, while enabling the association’s leadership to assess what could be achieved and determine the best approach.
“We can have about 15 clusters representing the federal constituencies, comprising former Local Government Chairmen and former members of the State House of Assembly,” he said.
Governor Radda disclosed that members of the association were already serving in various capacities within government and the political structure, including as party leaders, commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants and other officials.
He said his administration would explore mechanisms for better integrating members of the association and creating opportunities for them to contribute to governance, within available capacity.
“It is not too late to develop such a template. We can look at what was done in the past, examine what can be improved and determine what can be done now or after the elections,” the Governor said.
Governor Radda also encouraged the association to use its leadership structure as the main channel for presenting members’ concerns and challenges requiring government attention.
He said the leadership could forward such matters to the Chief of Staff, Principal Private Secretary or other relevant government officials for consideration, while members could also approach him directly when necessary.
“Most importantly, since you now have a leadership structure, I want all concerns and difficulties affecting members of this association to be channelled through the association’s leadership,” he said.
He also acknowledged the association’s request for office accommodation, assuring members that the government would examine recommendations on how the matter could be addressed.
Speaking on the forthcoming elections, Governor Radda appealed to members of the association to support the candidates and political structures they choose to back, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the state government and elected representatives at the federal and state levels.
He said unity and cooperation among political stakeholders remained essential to Katsina State’s political stability, development and continued progress.
The Governor also appealed for forgiveness and reconciliation among members where grievances existed, urging them to strengthen unity and peaceful relationships.
“If there is anyone who has offended any of you, I appeal to you, on my behalf, to forgive and reconcile,” he said.
Governor Radda prayed for continued peace in the homes of members, unity among political stakeholders and progress in Katsina State, particularly in overcoming the security challenges confronting the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the association, Rt. Hon. Ya’u Umar Gwajo-Gwajo, described Governor Radda as the father of the group, noting that his experience as a former Local Government Chairman gave him a unique understanding of the contributions and concerns of members.
Gwajo-Gwajo emphasised the importance of unity among former Local Government Chairmen and former members of the State House of Assembly in advancing the development of Katsina State.
He also expressed the association’s support for the Governor’s administration and its political aspirations ahead of the 2027 elections.
In his welcome address, the Deputy Chairman of the association and Commissioner for Health, Hon. Musa Adamu Funtua, said the association had gained greater recognition under the Radda administration.
He noted that several senior government and party officials in the state had previously served as Local Government Chairmen or members of the State House of Assembly.
According to him, Governor Radda himself is a former Local Government Chairman, while the Chief of Staff to the Governor and the State APC Chairman also have backgrounds in local government administration and political leadership.
The meeting was attended by the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly and member of the association, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; Chief of Staff to the Governor and member of the association, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; APC State Chairman and member of the association, Hon. Dr. Bishir Gambo Saulawa; and other members of the Katsina State Executive Council.
