By: Daure David
In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian politics, few stories capture the essence of strategic alliance and political mentorship quite like the emergence of His Excellency Uba Sani as the Governor of Kaduna State. His journey, marked by persistence, setbacks, and eventual triumph, underscores the undeniable influence of political godfathers and the power of endorsement in shaping electoral outcomes.
Uba Sani’s political aspirations date back to 2003, a year that marked the beginning of his long and determined quest for elective office. Despite his efforts, victory remained elusive for over a decade. It wasn’t until 2019, when then-Governor Nasir El-Rufai publicly endorsed him and raised his hand as the preferred candidate for the Kaduna Central Senatorial seat, that the tide turned. That symbolic gesture was more than ceremonial it was a signal to the political establishment and the electorate that Uba Sani had the backing of one of the most influential figures in the state.
Fast forward to 2023, and the narrative took a decisive turn. El-Rufai, in a bold and controversial move, rallied his inner circle and party stakeholders to support Uba Sani as the sole All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate. Even long-time allies like Sani Dattijo, who had obtained the APC gubernatorial nomination forms, were persuaded to step down in favor of Uba Sani. This act of political consolidation was not without criticism, but it demonstrated El-Rufai’s unwavering commitment to his chosen successor.
Critics argue that without El-Rufai’s aggressive campaigning especially beyond social media Uba Sani might have struggled to secure victory in the 2023 governorship election. Yet, the results spoke for themselves. Uba Sani emerged victorious, defeating his closest rivals and securing the mandate of the people of Kaduna State. Whether this win was a reflection of his own political capital or the residual influence of El-Rufai remains a subject of debate.
What is clear, however, is that gratitude is due. Uba Sani and his supporters owe a debt of thanks to Nasir El-Rufai not just for the endorsement, but for the strategic maneuvering that cleared the path to power. In a political climate where loyalty is often fleeting, this alliance stands as a rare example of mentorship yielding tangible results.
As Governor, Uba Sani now faces the challenge of stepping out of El-Rufai’s shadow and proving his own leadership mettle. The people of Kaduna will be watching closely not just to see if he can deliver on his promises, but to determine whether his rise was merely a product of political engineering or the beginning of a transformative era.
