The Kaduna State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed Sani Haruna, has attributed the opposition’s performance in the 2023 general election in the state to dissatisfaction with the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Haruna said the outcome of the election reflected voters’ discontent with the former governor’s style of leadership, which he accused of demolishing houses and markets, sacking thousands of workers and exploiting religious and ethnic differences in the state.

He said the situation had changed under Governor Uba Sani, whose administration, according to him, had adopted an inclusive approach that brought people across religious, ethnic and political divides into the APC.

The APC spokesman stated this while briefing journalists on preparations to receive President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Kaduna State for the flag-off of the party’s 2027 presidential campaign, scheduled for October 24, 2026.

“Most elections are always a referendum on leadership at a particular time in history. So, the election in Kaduna State in 2023 was a referendum on the governing style of the former governor of Kaduna State,” Haruna said.

He added that the previous administration’s policies had alienated some sections of the state, particularly Southern Kaduna, where voters had traditionally supported opposition parties.

“The people of the state were not happy with the governing style of that governor during that time,” he said.

Haruna argued that Governor Uba Sani’s approach to governance had changed the political landscape, claiming that the APC now controlled all elective positions in the state.

He said the governor had demonstrated respect for people irrespective of their religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or cultural background, adding that this had encouraged more people to identify with the ruling party.

According to him, the APC’s current political position in Kaduna State differs from the situation before the 2023 election, when opposition parties secured significant victories.

Haruna, however, expressed confidence that the APC would secure widespread support in the state during the 2027 elections, including for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

He said Governor Uba Sani had assured the president that Kaduna would deliver two million votes for him, describing the target as achievable because of the governor’s leadership and the party’s growing support.

“Today, we assure Mr President and the entire APC family that Kaduna State will lead the way in securing his re-election on May 29, 2027,” he said.

The APC spokesman also dismissed suggestions that the opposition could repeat its 2023 performance, insisting that the ruling party’s control of elective positions across the state reflected a shift in political alignment.

He said the party was preparing to mobilise hundreds of thousands of supporters to welcome Tinubu and other APC leaders to Kaduna for the campaign flag-off.

Haruna added that a dedicated media centre had been established to provide journalists with timely and accurate information about preparations for the event.

He said the planned rally would demonstrate the party’s support for Tinubu and the commitment of the Kaduna APC to his re-election campaign. (Daily Trust)