By Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The National President of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Comrade Audu Amba, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sam Atung, have said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani have ended years of political exclusion in Southern Kaduna through inclusive governance, appointments, and developmental projects.
The two leaders spoke separately on Saturday in Kafanchan shortly after the launch of the _Southern Kaduna One Million Solidarity Votes Campaign_ for President Tinubu, Governor Uba Sani, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, and other All Progressives Congress candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Comrade Amba described the event as a huge success, noting that the massive turnout reflected growing confidence in the current administration.
“I congratulate the organizers and everyone inducted into the movement today. By every standard, this was a successful outing. The turnout and enthusiasm clearly show that Southern Kaduna has already chosen its political direction,” he said.
According to the NUT President, the support for the Tinubu administration is rooted in what he called the unprecedented inclusion of Southern Kaduna in governance.
“I have always argued that the greatest injustice you can do to a people is to exclude them from the governance of their own society. Today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani have given Southern Kaduna a sense of belonging. Our people now feel recognized, included, and carried along,” Amba stated.
He cited the establishment of the Federal University and the Federal Medical Center in Southern Kaduna, as well as the appointment of indigenes to key positions, as evidence of the government’s commitment.
“For us, this is like saying, ‘you belong.’ That is why many of us, whether or not we are members of the APC, have chosen to identify with this government. Politics is about the interests of the people. When a government recognizes your people and carries them along, it becomes a responsibility to appreciate such leadership,” he added.
Amba expressed optimism that the campaign’s target of securing one million votes from Southern Kaduna was achievable, citing the unity and enthusiasm displayed at the launch.
“You only need to look at the excitement and the crowd here today. Southern Kaduna has always been united once it takes a political decision. With sustained mobilization, I have no doubt the one million votes target will be achieved,” he said.
On workers’ welfare, the NUT President said teachers and civil servants were regaining confidence in the government.
“There was a time teachers and civil servants went to work without certainty about their future. Today, those difficult experiences are gradually becoming a thing of the past. Government has shown greater commitment to workers’ welfare, and we must continue to support policies that strengthen education and the civil service,” he noted.
Also speaking, SAN Sam Atung said the current administration had restored Southern Kaduna’s place in governance through deliberate policies of inclusion.
He commended the organizers, saying the turnout was a clear indication that the people were ready to support leaders who have demonstrated fairness and equity.
“The turnout alone shows that the people of Southern Kaduna have made up their minds on the political direction they want to follow. This is beyond party politics; it is about supporting leaders who have shown commitment to the development of our people,” Atung stated.
The senior lawyer added that the establishment of federal institutions in the region and the appointment of indigenes into strategic offices had given the people renewed confidence.
“I have always maintained that one of the greatest injustices against any people is to deny them participation in the governance of their own society. Today, Southern Kaduna has a renewed sense of belonging because our people are being carried along,” he said.
Atung expressed confidence that the one-million-vote campaign would succeed, urging residents to remain united and support programs that promote peace, development, and inclusive governance.
“Politics should always advance the collective interest of the people. When a government recognizes its people, creates opportunities, and promotes inclusiveness, it deserves encouragement. With sustained grassroots mobilization, Southern Kaduna will make a significant contribution to the electoral fortunes of the APC in 2027,” he said.
