Uba Sani credits Tinubu and Gani Fawehinmi as his mentors, rejecting political godfather claims linked to El-Rufai, and vows to deliver good governance.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has rejected suggestions that his political decisions and leadership style are dictated by his predecessor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
Instead, he credited his political grooming and ideological foundation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, the fiery human rights lawyer who was regarded as the conscience of Nigeria during the military era.
The governor, who spoke extensively on TVC’s Politics on Sunday programme, said he found it unnecessary to respond to what he described as mere insinuations designed to distract him from his responsibilities.
According to him, his primary duty is to the people of Kaduna State, and his commitment is to ensuring that good governance, peace, and security are delivered without bias or political sentiments.
Recounting his early days in activism and politics, Governor Sani narrated how he met President Tinubu as far back as 1994 at the home of the late Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, a leading figure in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
He added that his relationship with the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi was even more personal, as he lived in the lawyer’s home at some point during Nigeria’s turbulent years of military rule.
“Gani was not just a leader but a father to me. He sheltered me, mentored me, and instilled in me the discipline of activism and the courage to fight for justice.
“President Tinubu also played a major role in shaping my political outlook. These are the people who influenced me deeply,” Sani explained.
He stressed that Kaduna State deserves his undivided attention and that his political journey is guided by the values of justice, fairness, and service — principles he inherited from his mentors.
The governor also used the interview to clarify his administration’s approach to the persistent security challenges facing the state.
He firmly dismissed claims that his government was involved in paying ransom to bandits, describing such reports as deliberate attempts to discredit his administration for political advantage.
Governor Sani explained that his security strategy is multifaceted, blending both kinetic measures (deployment of military and law enforcement) and non-kinetic measures (community engagement, dialogue, and intelligence gathering).
He highlighted Birnin Gwari as a case study where community-driven initiatives, in collaboration with security agencies, have significantly improved safety.
“We work hand in hand with traditional rulers, village heads, and community associations.
“Security is not achieved by force alone; it requires trust and cooperation. That is why we are seeing results in certain hotspots,” he said.
Reacting to the recent violent disruption of an opposition transition committee meeting in the state, Governor Sani firmly distanced himself from the incident.
He reiterated his lifelong commitment to democratic values, recalling his activism years when he was detained multiple times for speaking against military dictatorship and fighting for the entrenchment of rule of law.
“As someone who has been detained five times for defending democracy, I cannot and will not be part of any attempt to suppress opposition politics.
“Our late leader, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, always reminded us that respect for institutions like the police is essential to prevent anarchy.
“The police are already investigating this matter, and we must allow them to complete their work,” he stated.
Governor Sani also pointed to the sweeping electoral victories of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State as evidence of his administration’s inclusive style of leadership.
He noted that the APC’s success in the last election — winning about 70 percent of the votes — was unprecedented, especially in areas like Chikun and Kajuru that had traditionally supported opposition parties such as the Labour Party.
According to him, the victory was not a product of political manipulation but the outcome of deliberate efforts to embrace all communities, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political leanings.
“We do not run government based on religion or tribe. Our administration is open, inclusive, and people-oriented.
“That is why voters trusted us across the board, even in constituencies that had never voted APC before,” Sani emphasized.
By reasserting his independence from claims of godfatherism, Governor Uba Sani sought to send a clear message to critics and supporters alike: that his leadership will be guided by principles and the interest of the people rather than loyalty to any individual.
He pledged to remain focused on uniting Kaduna State, tackling insecurity, and ensuring that governance delivers tangible results.
His remarks clarified his political allegiances and emphasised his determination to draw inspiration from past struggles for justice and democracy, while charting a course of independent leadership in Kaduna.
