From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Southern Kaduna have formally established the Southern Kaduna APC Elders Forum and expressed support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in the 2027 elections.
The forum was inaugurated in Kafanchan on Friday, according to a statement signed by Hon. Micah John Avong, Coordinator; Dr. Ishaya Habu Sarki, Secretary; Engr. Dr. Yusuf Iliya Mairiga, Patron; and Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi Maikano, Trustee and former Aide-de-Camp to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Addressing media representatives and party stakeholders, the elders said the forum was established on the shared belief that the experience, wisdom, networks and goodwill of senior citizens should be harnessed to promote party unity, democratic stability, good governance and sustainable development.
“The establishment of this Forum is borne out of a shared conviction among concerned elders and stakeholders that the experience, wisdom, networks, and goodwill of our senior citizens must be harnessed in the service of party unity, democratic stability, good governance and sustainable development,” the statement read.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to the APC and its principles of progressive governance, inclusion, fairness and development. It stressed that political leadership should translate into tangible improvements in infrastructure, security, healthcare, education and economic opportunities.
In support of continuity, the forum endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Senator Uba Sani, CON, for second terms in office.
“We declare our commitment to work within the democratic structures of the APC towards the re-election of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in the 2027 presidential election; the re-election of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, CON, as Governor of Kaduna State; and the success of APC candidates in other elective positions,” the elders stated.
While acknowledging past political and developmental challenges in Southern Kaduna, the elders highlighted what they described as recent efforts by Governor Uba Sani to promote greater inclusion.
They cited school rehabilitation, road upgrades and increased representation of Southern Kaduna indigenes in federal and state appointments among the measures they said had contributed to greater inclusion.
They also listed federal projects being implemented under the Tinubu administration in partnership with the Kaduna State Government. These include the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia; the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan; the Military Command Centre at Samaru Kataf; the Command Secondary School in Zangon Kataf; and the UBEC Junior Vocational Secondary School at Jagindi.
The elders also welcomed the nomination of Comrade Jerry Adams as Deputy Governorship Candidate, describing it as “a significant gesture of inclusion and recognition of the capacity and contribution of the people of Southern Kaduna.”
“We believe that a government that reflects the diversity of its people is better positioned to promote mutual trust, justice, equity and peaceful coexistence,” the statement said.
The forum added that the current political direction provides an opportunity to strengthen ties between Christian and Muslim communities.
The elders outlined the forum’s responsibilities to include providing strategic advice to party leadership, promoting unity and reconciliation, mentoring younger leaders, strengthening grassroots participation and advocating for the interests of Southern Kaduna at both state and national levels.
They also pledged to promote peaceful elections and discourage hate speech and political violence.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the elders emphasised that electoral victory would depend on effective organisation and meaningful engagement with communities.
“Our message to APC members is simple: we must close ranks, resolve our differences through dialogue and work together in the larger interest of the party and our people,” they said.
The forum urged APC leaders, women, youths and supporters across Southern Kaduna to embrace reconciliation and shared responsibility.
“The inauguration of the Southern Kaduna APC Elders Forum is not simply the inauguration of another political association.
“It is the beginning of a renewed commitment by our elders to contribute their experience, wisdom and networks towards building a stronger APC and a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Southern Kaduna,” the statement concluded.
The elders expressed the belief that continuity, combined with accountability and people-focused governance, could help secure further development gains for the region.
“Southern Kaduna deserves a stronger voice. The APC deserves a united and committed family. Our people deserve responsible and people-oriented governance,” they declared.
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