Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has officially declared his intention to contest for re-election in the 2027 general elections. Sani, who previously represented the district, made this announcement during his Eid-el-Fitr message delivered at his residence in Kaduna on Sunday. His declaration signals his return to the political arena and sets the stage for what is expected to be a significant contest in the upcoming elections.
In his address, Sani explained that his decision to run would depend on the political landscape leading up to the 2027 elections. He stated, “Any politician contesting an election depends on the political equation that determines the position to we for. If the conditions are right and the equations are favorable, I will offer myself to contest, especially for the Central senatorial district.”
While announcing his intention, Sani made it clear that his ambition to seek re-election was secondary to the immediate goal of ensuring the re-election of the current Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, for a second term. He emphasized that his efforts in the coming months would be focused on supporting the governor and working toward his success in the next gubernatorial election.
“For now, our priority is to see that incumbent Governor Uba Sani is re-elected. We will work with all our might and strength to achieve this. We know there will be challenges and opposition, but we are well-prepared for all forces,” Sani added.
Sani’s decision to re-enter the political fray comes after a period of relative silence since his tenure in the Senate. He previously served as the Senator for Kaduna Central from 2015 to 2019 under the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) before losing his bid for re-election in the 2019 general elections. His re-entry into politics is seen by many as a response to the growing political dynamics in Kaduna State and the country at large.
The former senator is known for his outspoken stance on issues ranging from human rights to social justice, and his tenure in the Senate was marked by his advocacy for the downtrodden and the marginalized. Sani’s political ideology has always focused on pushing for policies that cater to the welfare of the people, particularly in his home state of Kaduna. His decision to run for the Kaduna Central Senatorial seat in 2027 is likely to stir significant interest among political observers and constituents, especially considering his previous prominence in the state’s politics.
While Sani’s formal announcement is a sign of his ambition to return to the Senate, his candidacy will face several challenges. The political landscape in Kaduna, and by extension, Northern Nigeria, is highly competitive, and the 2027 election will be critical in shaping the future of the region’s political direction. Additionally, his campaign will likely involve strategic negotiations and alignments with other political players in the state, including Governor Uba Sani, whose re-election Sani has vowed to support.
Governor Uba Sani, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is seen by many as a key figure in Kaduna’s future. Sani’s endorsement and support for the governor’s re-election campaign signal his desire to maintain political cohesion and stability in the state. With the governor’s tenure nearing its midpoint, there have been various calls for him to secure a second term in office, and Shehu Sani’s backing adds weight to these calls.
While Sani’s own political ambitions are on the horizon, his immediate focus remains on Governor Uba Sani’s re-election bid. This could further strengthen political ties between the two leaders, especially as the 2027 elections approach. It is not unusual for politicians to seek common ground on regional issues in order to consolidate their power, and Sani’s decision to prioritize the governor’s re-election reflects his commitment to securing political gains for Kaduna State in the long term.
The support for Uba Sani’s re-election also hints at the political strategy Sani is likely to employ in his own campaign. Aligning with the current administration and leveraging the governor’s popularity among voters may offer Sani a chance to gain support from a broader section of the electorate. This strategic positioning could play a significant role in his bid for the Senate, particularly in a state where political dynamics often shift with the winds of influence.
Aside from his political ambitions, Shehu Sani used his Eid-el-Fitr address to urge Nigerians to reflect on the challenges facing the nation, particularly the issues of insecurity and violence. He condemned the recent killings of hunters in Edo State, calling for the perpetrators to be apprehended and brought to justice. “If citizens cannot move freely across the country, then we are not truly a nation. If individuals take the law into their hands for any reason, it means there is no government or authority,” he lamented.
The former senator’s comments come in the wake of increasing reports of insecurity across Nigeria, including kidnappings, armed robberies, and communal clashes. These incidents have created fear among many Nigerians, particularly those in the northern and southern parts of the country. Sani’s call for justice is reflective of the growing frustration among citizens who are demanding stronger government action to combat insecurity.
Sani also used the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr to emphasize the need for national unity and peace. He encouraged Nigerians, particularly Muslims, to pray for the country’s stability and for a peaceful co-existence among its diverse ethnic and religious groups. “We must work together to ensure peace and unity for the preservation of democracy,” he stated, urging Nigerians to put aside their differences for the collective good of the nation.
In his speech, Sani also made a passionate plea for the government to uphold the fundamental rights of Nigerians, particularly the right to life. He argued that safeguarding these rights is essential for the country’s long-term stability and development. “The right to life is the most basic of all rights, and until we uphold this, our national development will remain stagnant,” Sani said, underlining the importance of protecting citizens from violence and injustice.
