By: Fabian Apechihin

Kwankwaso made the disclosure on Monday while speaking on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television.

According to him, many political leaders in Nigeria have failed to understand the mindset, concerns, and aspirations of young Nigerians, especially in the era of social media.

He explained that younger Nigerians are more interested in competent and effective leadership than the ethnic and religious sentiments that often dominate political discussions among older politicians.

“So many things have changed in this country. You have leaders, many of whom don’t even realize what is happening on social media. We have leaders who hardly have any contact with young men and women,” Kwankwaso said.

“People of our age, my age, or especially the age of Atiku, are very few in this country compared to the younger people. The younger people have their own way of thinking, even our children.”

The former Kano governor stated that even within his family, younger members expressed opinions that reflected a desire for political cooperation and better leadership.

“You will be surprised, even during the 2023 election, in my own house, my own daughter was telling me to go and work with Peter Obi,” he said.

“She didn’t say she was obedient, but she wanted me to work together with him, and vice versa.”

Kwankwaso added that while many older politicians remain focused on religion and ethnicity, young Nigerians are more concerned about credible leadership and national progress.

“So you see, there is a lot happening in this country, but people at that level we are talking about don’t even understand,” he stated.

“People are talking about religion. People are talking about ethnicity. People are talking, especially those at our level and age, but the younger people are looking for the right leadership for this country. And I think they are absolutely right.”

By: Fabian Apechihin

Sani made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

Reports had emerged last week claiming that Hope Uzodimma was removed as chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and replaced by Peter Mbah following a tense meeting in Abuja.

The reports also alleged that the forum had split into rival factions. While Uzodimma insisted he remained chairman, another bloc was reportedly aligned with Dapo Abiodun and Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

However, governors loyal to Uzodimma later passed a vote of confidence in him during a meeting held at the Imo State Lodge in Abuja. President Bola Tinubu was also said to have intervened in the dispute.

Reacting to the controversy, Sani, who serves as vice chairman of the forum, maintained that no leadership change had taken place.

“At the moment, there’s no problem. All the governors are together. His Excellency Hope Uzodimma is the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum,” he said.

“My humble self, Senator Uba Sani, is the vice chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum.”

The Kaduna governor stated that disagreements are normal in a democratic setting and should not be blown out of proportion.

“In my own opinion, I don’t think it’s a serious issue, like many people try to make it look like it’s a very serious issue,” he said.

“Because, you know, in everything we are talking about democracy, people can choose to disagree and agree. So, in my own opinion, it was just a slight misunderstanding.”

Sani assured party supporters that the matter had been resolved and dismissed speculation of any division within the forum.

“I don’t think you will hear anything again. I can assure you, you can’t hear anything again,” he stated.

“It’s just a slight disagreement, not a serious issue, but a slight disagreement. But it has been resolved.”

He further added that if there had truly been a leadership change, he would have automatically assumed office as chairman in his capacity as vice chairman.

“And of course, if there’s any change of leadership, sitting here as the vice chairman, I could have taken over,” he said.

“But I can tell you, I was there. And I was the one who made that statement clear that we are united. Everything is okay.”

• Demands Slot for Patigi Emirate In Line With Zoning Arrangement

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A socio-cultural group, under the aegis of the Patigi Emirate Development Union (PEDU), has opposed any move by Senator Sadiq Sulaiman Umar to seek another term in the Senate in 2027, insisting that the Kwara North Senatorial seat should be zoned to Patigi Local Government Area in line with the district’s long-standing rotational arrangement.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the PEDU National President, Salihu Bologi Umar, said the zoning principle in Kwara North had over the years promoted political harmony, fairness and mutual trust among the constituents across the five local government areas in the Senatorial District, adding that the
arrangement allows each area to occupy the senatorial seat for two terms or eight years before power rotates to another local government.

He said: “The people of Patigi Local Government Area consider it both justifiable and appropriate that the 2027 Kwara North Senatorial mandate be ceded to Patigi LGA.”

The union noted that Patigi had remained loyal to political leaders and successive administrations in the district, stressing that the emirate had consistently supported the collective interest and stability of Kwara North, urging Senator Sadiq Umar to respect the zoning understanding by shelving any plan to contest again in 2027.

The union said the Senator should “prioritise the unity, peace, and stability of Kwara North above personal political ambition” and withdraw from the race in the interest of fairness and regional cohesion.

PEDU, which appealed to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to recognise the political contributions and loyalty of the Patigi Emirate to the ruling party over the years, maintained that the people of Patigi had stood firmly with the APC through different election cycles despite political challenges, adding that such commitment deserves fairness and inclusion in the party’s decision on the 2027 senatorial ticket.

While reaffirming its commitment to democratic engagement and party unity, PEDU warned that denying Patigi the opportunity to produce the next senator for Kwara North could force stakeholders in the emirate to explore other political alternatives.

“This position is not intended as a threat, but as a sincere appeal for justice, inclusion, and the preservation of political trust between the party and the people of Patigi Emirate,” the union stated.

The union further cautioned that any attempt to ignore the zoning arrangement could create unnecessary political tension and weaken the spirit of cooperation that had existed in Kwara North’s politics for decades.

Reaffirming its position, PEDU declared: “No to third term representation. Respect the established zoning tradition. Justice for Patigi LGA. Two terms are sufficient. Patigi turn is now.”

The union also called on political stakeholders, traditional rulers, youth groups and community leaders across Kwara North to sustain dialogue, fairness and mutual respect in order to preserve peace and political stability in the district.