The ruling All Progressives Congress in Katsina State has formally endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dikko Radda as the party’s sole candidates for the 2027 general elections, reaffirming the state’s status as a stronghold of the ruling party.
The endorsement was made at a high-level APC stakeholders’ meeting in Katsina on Monday, which brought together party leaders, elders, former governors and deputy governors, National and State Assembly members, local government chairmen, councillors, and grassroots representatives from across the State.
Speaking at the event, Radda described Katsina’s political structures as historic, deeply rooted, and fully mobilised in support of the APC and Tinubu.
“Katsina is not just an APC state; it is a state with historic political depth and a disciplined structure. Our alliance is built on principle, sacrifice, and mutual respect,” Radda said.
He traced Katsina’s long-standing political partnership with the South-West, recalling the role of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Katsina’s support for Chief Moshood Abiola during the SDP era, and the leadership of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, noting that, “It was in Katsina that one of the most significant democratic movements in Nigeria was nurtured.
“Katsina has consistently supported leaders from the South-West, just as they supported our sons, including President Muhammadu Buhari and now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he stated.
Radda said Tinubu’s endorsement was rooted in a long-term partnership rather than political convenience.
“The people of Katsina have fulfilled their due, and the people of the South-West have reciprocated. This enduring partnership confirms that our alliance is principled and not a one-time occurrence.
“Today, we fully endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his second term from 2023 to 2031,” he declared.
Highlighting the APC’s strength in the state, the Governor noted that all 361 councillors, all 34 local government chairmen, all 34 local government legislative members, as well as all state and national lawmakers from Katsina, belong to the APC.
“This clearly shows that the party is united and strong in Katsina State,” he said.
The meeting also featured the formal handover of political defectors from the Peoples Redemption Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Peoples Democratic Party, and All Progressives Grand Alliance to the APC National Chairman.
Handing over the defectors, Radda assured the party leadership of Katsina’s readiness for the 2027 elections.
“APC National Chairman, hear me clearly today, Katsina APC is united, cohesive, and fully mobilised. By the grace of Allah, Katsina will deliver support for President Tinubu in 2027 that will rival, and even surpass, what Lagos can offer,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.
Earlier, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, commended Radda for what he described as visible improvements in infrastructure, water supply, education, healthcare, and other critical sectors.
He said, “The performance of this administration has inspired many Nigerians to join the APC. Those coming into the party today are equal stakeholders with full rights and opportunities.”
The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, described the endorsement as a historic milestone, noting that the APC currently controls 29 out of Nigeria’s 36 states.
Earlier, former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, said Katsina has always played a stabilising role in Nigeria’s democratic journey and praised Governor Radda for aligning governance with the people’s needs.
Similarly, Chairman of the Katsina APC Stakeholders’ Forum, Senator Ibrahim Ida, said the endorsement followed extensive consultations and reflected broad consensus across political lines.
Former Governor Ibrahim Shema described the emergence of Tinubu and Radda as “the will of Almighty Allah,” pledging unity and loyalty ahead of the 2027 elections.
The National Assembly members who are from the State, 34 local government chairmen, federal political appointees, and party executives, all of whom pledged collective efforts to ensure a decisive APC victory in 2027.
