By Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
It is less than a week until the local government election in Katsina State. Like clockwork, political parties have begun their familiar dance of consultations, voter canvassing, and strategic preparations in pursuit of victory at the polls. However, the winds seem to blow beautifully in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for some convincing reasons.
With Dikko Umaru Radda at the helm of affairs as first-term governor, and as a leader who inherited the APC-led state from Aminu Bello Masari’s eight-year tenure. More interestingly, former governor Ibrahim Shema, who served two terms under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) following the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration, has also emerged as a prominent APC stalwart in the state.
On political alignments, Radda’s known association with the Yar’Adua camp adds another layer to this narrative. Ultimately, this strategic positioning of bigwigs has effectively stripped major opposition parties like PDP and SDP of several political heavyweights in the state.
Nevertheless, Nigerian elections often present unexpected turns. While Katsina prepares to elect 34 new local government chairmen on February 15th, history shows that ruling parties at the state level can face significant opposition in local government polls. Take a look at Lagos state, for instance; Despite being an APC stronghold since 1999, the 2021 LG elections saw fierce competition from PDP and other opposition parties in areas like Eti-Osa, Amuwo-Odofin, and Surulere.
Similarly, Kano State, another traditional APC bastion, witnessed robust opposition participation. The 2021 and 2023 elections featured strong competition from the Kano chapter of the Red Cap party—the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
However, the scenarios in Katsina appear to be peculiar, thanks to Governor Radda’s trackable achievements that have seemingly dampened opposition hopes beyond redemption. His performance in less than two years has been nothing short of extraordinary, touching virtually every sector of governance in relatable manners.
In the crucial area of security, Radda established the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC). With 2,500 personnel complementing conventional security agencies through native intelligence. The initiative, according to reports, has yielded impressive results. The number of local government areas plagued by criminal activities has dropped from 24 local governments to about 12 LG. This, in part, fosters peace and boosts agricultural production.
The education sector has witnessed equally commendable changes. The recruitment of over 7,000 teachers has addressed staffing shortages and put expertise in building the future builders. Hold that with your left hand, the construction of 150 new junior and secondary schools – with 75 completed and 75 ongoing – showcases how Radda is committed to expanding educational access to the most downtrodden. His investment of N120 billion in educational infrastructure, teacher training, and learning materials, coupled with transparency in governance, genuinely sets him apart.
Mohammed is Chief Press Secretary to Katsina State Governor
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