Kaduna 2027: Uba Sani picks Jerry Adams as running mate, vows to deepen inclusive governance

Kaduna State Governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Senator Uba Sani, has unveiled Mr Jerry Adams as his running mate, describing the choice as a strategic step towards consolidating peace, inclusive governance and sustainable development across the state.

The governor announced the nomination in a statement on Tuesday, saying the decision followed wide consultations, deep reflection and prayers. He said the selection of Adams was not merely about filling the position of deputy governorship candidate but a reaffirmation of the principles of inclusion, justice, fairness and equity that have guided his administration since assuming office on May 29, 2023.

According to the statement, signed by Governor Uba Sani, the nomination underscores the administration’s determination to ensure that every resident of Kaduna State has a genuine sense of belonging irrespective of religion, ethnicity or geographical location.

Commitment to inclusive leadership

Governor Sani said Kaduna’s rich diversity remains one of its greatest strengths and stressed that his administration has consistently pursued policies aimed at fostering unity among the state’s diverse communities.

He noted that while the state has experienced periods of division and mistrust in the past, it has also demonstrated that dialogue, justice and inclusive governance remain the most effective tools for building lasting peace and development.

The governor stated that his administration has worked over the past three years to heal old divisions, restore public confidence in government and ensure that development projects reach every part of the state.

He explained that investments in roads, schools, healthcare, water supply, agriculture, rural development and social intervention programmes have been deliberately spread across the 23 local government areas without discrimination.

According to him, the guiding principle has been that no community should be left behind and no citizen should feel excluded from the dividends of democracy.

Peace, security improving

The governor also highlighted the administration’s efforts in strengthening peace and security through collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community organisations, women and youth groups.

He said the partnership had contributed to improved security in many parts of Kaduna State, enabling farmers to return to their farmlands, businesses to expand and investments to grow.

Governor Sani maintained that experience has shown that enduring peace cannot be achieved through security operations alone but also through fairness, inclusion and equal opportunities for all citizens.

Why Jerry Adams was chosen

Explaining the choice of his running mate, the governor described Jerry Adams as an accomplished public servant, renowned tax administrator and institution builder with a track record of excellence in public service.

He credited Adams with transforming the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service into one of Nigeria’s leading revenue agencies through innovation, transparency and professionalism.

According to the governor, the improved revenue generation under Adams’ leadership has strengthened the state’s fiscal capacity and enabled government to increase investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and other critical sectors.

Governor Sani further described Adams as a man of integrity, humility and quiet strength who has consistently demonstrated commitment to peace, reconciliation and inclusive governance.

He said the nomination reflects the administration’s belief that competence, character and merit should remain the defining criteria for leadership in Kaduna State.

Call for unity ahead of 2027

Looking ahead to the 2027 governorship election, Governor Sani urged residents to embrace the vision of a united Kaduna rather than allowing religion, ethnicity or regional differences to shape political choices.

He appealed to citizens to see the nomination of Jerry Adams as part of a broader commitment to building a state where every child can aspire without fear, every community has opportunities to prosper and every faith is respected.

The governor acknowledged that while significant progress has been made, the task of building a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Kaduna State is still ongoing.

He, however, expressed confidence that the foundations already laid by his administration would continue to support greater achievements in the years ahead.

Governor Sani reaffirmed his commitment to leaving behind a Kaduna that is more united, secure, just and prosperous than it was when his administration assumed office, while praying for God’s continued guidance as the state moves towards another democratic transition in 2027.