KATSINA — The incumbent Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has officially emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the upcoming elections, securing his ticket to contest for a second term in office.
The affirmation took place at the People’s Square within the Government House in Katsina. The event utilized a consensus process that brought together party delegates and foundational stakeholders from all local government structures across the state.
A total of 2,872 accredited delegates participated in the exercise, including 918 local government executive committee members, 37 state executive committee officials, 109 statutory delegates, and 1,805 ward-level representatives across Katsina's 361 wards. Three additional delegates from the National and Zonal Executive Committees were also in attendance to supervise the voice vote.
Transparent Compliance and Party Cohesion
Dr. Yakubu Ahmed Maccido, Chairman of the APC Affirmation Committee, confirmed that the exercise was executed in strict compliance with the party’s constitution and national electoral guidelines.
"The affirmation process was conducted through a voice vote, which reflected overwhelming support for Governor Dikko Umaru Radda," Maccido stated, declaring the outcome transparent, credible, and an accurate reflection of the collective resolve of the state chapter.
The political unity on display was further emphasized by state APC Chairman, Dr. Bishir Gambo Saulawa, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir. Both officials commended the smooth transition, noting that the peaceful atmosphere demonstrated the party's structural readiness and internal stability ahead of the broader gubernatorial campaigns.
High-Profile Endorsements and Policy Alignment
The consensus exercise drew heavy backing from Katsina's political heavyweights, highlighting a consolidated front. Former Governor Aminu Bello Masari offered prayers of gratitude for the peaceful outcome and urged the party to sustain the administrative milestones recorded under Radda’s current tenure. Masari also stressed the importance of aligning Katsina’s local political strategies with the national leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event was also attended by former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema, Deputy Governor Mannir Yakubu, Tukur Ahmed Jikamshi, alongside several federal and state lawmakers, business leaders, and senior government officials. The joint presence of both Masari and Shema signaled a powerful alliance backing Radda's second-term machinery.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Radda expressed deep gratitude to the delegates and leadership for their renewed mandate.
"Four years ago, I was given the mandate to serve the people of Katsina State. Today, I am honoured with the nomination to contest for a second term under the APC," Governor Radda said.
He pledged to approach his second-term campaign with a renewed commitment to grassroots development, infrastructure expansion, and robust public service delivery across the state.
The party unites through a consensus affirmation process at the People’s Square, drawing endorsement from former Governors Masari and Shema.
