By Hon. Victor Mathew Bobai
The political climate of Zone 3 has undergone a dramatic shift, with Governor Uba Sani successfully steering the region’s political fortunes back into the hands of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Once considered a stronghold of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the zone now finds itself under immense pressure as its key figures struggle to maintain influence.
The PDP in Zone 3, led by major actors like SMK and Dan Amos, is witnessing a significant decline in its financial base. Mounting pressure from the state and the Northwest has exacerbated the situation, leading to economic strain on their supporters. Even PDP leaders are now forced to rely on the Senate President and the Speaker—both from the APC—for resources through various committees to service their constituents.
Politics is fundamentally about interests, and the socio-economic climate plays a crucial role in shaping the system. While the PDP still has a foothold in Southern Kaduna, the reality is that the APC, under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, has emerged as the stronger and more stable party. Every political dispensation comes with its challenges, and for the PDP in Southern Kaduna, the recent defection of three state assembly members and two House of Representatives members (from both the Labour Party and PDP) to the APC marks a formidable blow to its structure. This wave of defections is a strategic consolidation of APC’s dominance in the region.
Party ideology remains sacrosanct, but until a major shift occurs at the national level—where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains a key player and Nyesom Wike continues to create distractions—the PDP’s prospects appear bleak. Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, a master strategist in Nigerian politics, continues to strengthen the APC’s grip on power.
Ultimately, democracy thrives when individuals are free to align with the political party that best represents their aspirations. However, political decisions should always be guided by good intentions and the greater good of the people. For now, with Governor Uba Sani at the helm, the APC is firmly in control of Zone 3’s political direction.
Governor Uba Sani’s Stakeholders’ Meeting Strengthens APC’s Grip on Zone 3
As part of ongoing efforts to consolidate the APC’s political strength in Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani recently chaired a crucial stakeholders’ meeting for the Kaduna South Senatorial District (Zone 3) in Kafanchan.
The well-attended gathering brought together key party stakeholders to assess progress, identify areas for improvement, and strategize for future electoral success. Discussions centered on the administration’s achievements, with stakeholders commending its commitment to fairness, equity, and justice. Special recognition was given to initiatives in rural development, education, healthcare, and security restoration in conflict-affected areas.
Governor Sani, in his remarks, expressed gratitude for the unwavering commitment of party members and assured them of continued efforts to implement policies that empower citizens. He also highlighted several interventions being facilitated by the Federal Government, acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support in driving development across Kaduna State.
Wave of Defections Strengthens APC in Zone 3
A significant highlight of the meeting was the official reception of prominent political figures who defected to the APC. Among those who joined the party were serving and former lawmakers, political executives, and influential leaders from other parties, signaling growing confidence in the APC’s vision for the region.
Notable Figures Who Decamped to the APC in Zone 3:
Senator Danjuma La’ah – Former Senator representing Kaduna South (2015–2023)
Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji – Serving Member, House of Representatives (Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency)
Hon. Donatus K. Mathew – Serving Member, House of Representatives (Kaura Federal Constituency)
Hon. Godfrey Ali Gaiya – Former Member, House of Representatives
Hon. Henry Marah Zakarieh – Member, Kaduna State House of Assembly (Jaba Constituency)
Hon. Samuel Kambai Koza – Member, Kaduna State House of Assembly (Zango Constituency)
Barr. Emmanuel Kantiok – Member, Kaduna State House of Assembly (Zonkwa Constituency)
Hon. Ado Doguwa Audu – Three-time Member, House of Representatives
Engr. Michael Auta – Labour Party’s Zone 3 Senatorial Candidate in the 2023 elections
Hon. Paul Wani – Former Chairman, Kauru LGA
Hon. Mikiah Tokwak – Former Chairman, Jema’a LGA
Hon. Morondia Tanko – Former Member, Kaduna State House of Assembly (Kagarko Constituency)
Hon. Timothy Chindo – Former Member, Kaduna State House of Assembly
Hon. Shehu Tafarke – Former PDP Chairman, Kagarko LGA
Hon. Isah Ciroma – Kaduna State Chairman, Labour Party
Hon. Kenneth Suwa – Former Executive Member, NNPP
Hon. Ben Kure – Former State Chairman, NNPP
Hon. Nuhu Audu – Former State Chairman, NNPP
Sunday Baba – Former Vice Chairman, Jema’a LGA
Engr. Joseph Chiroma – Retired staff of TCN
Hon. Seth Bakut
The defections underscore a significant political shift in Kaduna South, reinforcing the APC’s influence ahead of future electoral contests. Governor Sani reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to inclusive governance and sustainable development, emphasizing that the APC remains committed to the welfare and progress of the people.
With these latest political developments, Zone 3 has solidified its position as a stronghold for the APC, further cementing Governor Uba Sani’s influence and the party’s prospects in future elections.
