Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has accepted the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and himself for the 2027 elections by the National Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammad chief press secretary to the Governor said Governor Radda spoke on Saturday when the national and state leadership of both unions, alongside representatives from the seven North-West states, visited Katsina for the endorsement event held at Gwagware Foundation.
The Governor described the endorsement as recognition of ongoing infrastructure and transport development at the federal and state levels.
“NURTW and NARTO are playing a very significant role in the progress of our people. We appreciate you for coming to Katsina to endorse Mr. President and my candidature,” Governor Radda said.
He said the unions’ support was informed by Federal Government interventions in road construction and the state government’s heavy investment in infrastructure.
“We have invested heavily in road construction. The Ministry of Works carries one of the highest budgets in the state and has been doing tremendously well,” he said.
Governor Radda added that the administration is committed to transforming cities and local government headquarters through road construction, urban renewal and improved connectivity. He recalled that both unions supported him and President Tinubu in 2023.
“They supported us in 2023 and gave us victory. I believe we have not disappointed you,” he said.
Responding to requests for vehicles and soft financing, the Governor assured the unions of government engagement.
“I have heard your requests. We will invite you for a closed-door meeting to discuss how we can support NURTW and NARTO,” he said. He also expressed hope for peaceful and credible elections in 2027.
Earlier, NARTO Deputy National President, Prince Ganiyu Atanda Salami, who represented the National President, Alhaji Lawal Yusuf Othman, said the endorsement was based on the performance of President Tinubu and Governor Radda in infrastructure and transportation.
“From what we have seen and from your achievements, we are looking forward to seeing you here again in 2027,” Prince Salami said.
He commended road projects across the state capital and LGAs, and appealed for soft loans to help transport operators renew and expand their businesses. He also announced NARTO’s endorsement of Tinubu and Radda for 2027 and urged members to support continuity.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Engr. Sani Magaji Ingawa, said the endorsement reflects the impact of federal and state government policies.
“Katsina has witnessed significant investment in road construction, dualisation, rehabilitation and urban renewal under Governor Radda,” Ingawa said.
He highlighted procurement of modern buses for KTSTA, development of workshops, bus stops and transport terminals. “These interventions are designed as an integrated transport system to improve efficiency and reduce the burden of transportation costs on our citizens,” he said.
On his part, NURTW Chairman for Katsina State and Northern Region, Alhaji Musa Garba Yandoma, said the event was organised to endorse President Tinubu and Governor Radda and to recognise the Governor’s achievements.
He commended urban renewal, road projects, education initiatives including smart schools, and the restoration of local government autonomy.
“We are presenting this award in appreciation of your leadership and development efforts,” Yandoma said. He appealed for additional vehicles and support to strengthen union operations.
The unions also presented an Award of Recognition to Governor Radda.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor, Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe; business mogul, Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal; NURTW and NARTO representatives from the seven North-West states; government officials; National and State Assembly members; local government chairmen; traditional and community leaders; and other transport sector stakeholders.
