Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Says Northern Politicians Have Failed The Region

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani has criticized northern political leaders, saying they’ve failed the region and owe its people an apology.

Speaking during an interview with TRUST TV, Uba Sani stressed that criticism of government is important in any democracy,.

The governor, however, noted that the criticism should be honest and focused on helping the people, not just a means to gain power.

“Every democracy must allow criticism, but it must be constructive, and in the interest of the Nigerian people. That’s what we did as activists — not because we wanted power,” he said.

“But when you attack the government and you’ve been part of it… Anyone — like I said — who is from northern Nigeria and held a political office in the last 20 years, we all need to look at ourselves in the mirror and apologise to the people of northern Nigeria. We let them down.”

Governor Uba Sani admitted he, too, played a role in the region’s struggles, having served as a senator.

According to him, northern Nigeria’s poverty and slow development didn’t start recently — they are the result of years of neglect.

“I’ll say it here today — all of us; I was a senator in this country, and the problems of northern Nigeria didn’t start two years ago.

“We’re talking about developments — or lack thereof — over the past 20 years; I can give you the data and statistics next time we meet.

“I chaired a committee on banking, so I know the poverty index of northern Nigeria. I know how many people, as we speak, are financially excluded,” he said.

Sani pointed out that even during President Buhari’s administration — when large amounts were spent on social programs — poverty in the north actually worsened because the majority of people were left out of the financial system.

He said, “Don’t forget, when Buhari was president — people forget this — he spent hundreds of billions on social interventions.

“But I’ll tell you why the north became poorer even after that. Because 70% of the population in northern Nigeria — especially the masses — were completely financially excluded.

“If you’re a former senator, a former member of the house of representatives, a former governor, a former minister, or even a former vice-president from northern Nigeria in the last 20 years — you’re part of the problem. All of us.”

Sani also called on political figures not to mislead the public, saying only those who have consistently stood for truth and justice have the right to criticize.

The governor said, “And that’s why I believe we must not deceive the people of northern Nigeria. We must not mislead them,” Sani said.

“That’s why I said earlier, I’ve no problem with people criticising the government — people like Dan Bello Galadanchi.

“All those individuals, I can tell you, have the moral right to criticise this government. But those who were part of the rot and are now saying they’ve repented — please, I think that’s wrong.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has revealed that the northern region will make up its mind within the next six months on who to support in the 2027 election.