Deputy Governor of Southern Kaduna Elders: Adams is my successor, support him

Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, has urged members of the Southern Kaduna APC Elders Forum to accord the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate, Jerry Adams, the same or even more respect they showed her during her tenure.

Balarabe made the call at the inauguration of the Southern Kaduna APC Elders Forum Tinubu-Uba Sani 2027 initiative held in Kafanchan Kaduna.

Pointing to Adams, who was present at the event, the deputy governor said they have worked closely together for a long time, describing his presence as an opportunity for elders to begin extending their support to him.

“You see, the incoming deputy governor and I have been together for so long. We have been together since morning, so I am happy and glad to have provided you with things. I want to use this opportunity to urge you all to accord the same and even more respect that you accord me during my time here. That is what I want,” she said.

Balarabe, who represented Governor Uba Sani at the event, also charged the elders to shoulder the responsibility of mentoring the younger ones and steering them away from violent politics, stressing that the future of Southern Kaduna depends not only on physical development but also on the skills and character of its people.

He said the inauguration of the forum and its Tinubu-Uba Sani 2027 initiative represented a commitment to continuity, purposeful leadership and inclusive governance.

According to her, Southern Kaduna has received renewed attention from federal and state administrations, citing interventions in education, health, roads, security and human capital development.

He highlighted the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, the Federal Medical Center in Southern Kaduna, increased federal security presence and the appointment of an indigene of Southern Kaduna as Defense Minister as examples of what he described as greater inclusion.

At the state level, Balarabe said Governor Sani’s administration has pursued reconciliation, inclusion and development, particularly through road projects, primary healthcare, peacebuilding, education, skills development and business support.

She, however, urged elders to see their responsibility beyond political mobilization, saying they must help shape responsible participation among young people.

“Your task is noble but challenging. So here is my task to you in this critical moment: I want you to be your own mentor. I need you to guide our youth away from the politics of brutality,” he said.

In his opening speech, the Coordinator of Southern Kaduna APC Elders Forum, Hon. John Micah Avong, said the forum was established to provide wisdom, guidance and direction in the political affairs of the region.

Avong said the elders had come together to lend their experience and networks to strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC), promoting responsible political participation, mentoring younger leaders and contributing to the development of Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State and Nigeria.

He called on members to remain united, disciplined and respectful, putting the collective interest of the people before personal ambitions.

The coordinator reaffirmed the forum’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, saying the inauguration marked the beginning of what he described as a new chapter of responsible political engagement in Southern Kaduna.