Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has effectively validated an exclusive report published by Sunday Sun penultimate Sunday on the intense political pressure surrounding the choice of his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
Barely 72 hours after Sunday Sun carried the story headlined, “2027: Uba Sani Under Pressure,” with the rider, “Southern Kaduna interest groups insist governor must pick Christian deputy,” the governor on Tuesday announced the Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Mr Jerry Adams, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
The announcement has effectively ended speculation that Governor Sani might retain a Muslim-Muslim ticket after the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, in May 2027.
The Sunday Sun report, written by our correspondent, revealed that the governor was under mounting pressure from political stakeholders and interest groups, particularly in Southern Kaduna, to choose a Christian from the region as his deputy in the interest of equity, inclusiveness and political balance.
The report also identified Jerry Adams as one of the leading contenders for the position, alongside Mr Anthony Hassan, popularly known as Dokaje, and the Kaduna State Head of Service, Mrs Jummai Bako.
It noted that supporters of Adams projected him as an experienced technocrat whose performance at KADIRS, particularly in revenue generation and institutional reforms, aligned with Governor Sani’s governance agenda, making him a strong candidate for the office of deputy governor.
Announcing Adams as his running mate, Governor Sani described the decision as “far greater than the selection of a deputy governorship candidate,” saying it was a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to inclusion, justice, fairness and equity.
According to the governor, the choice reflects his belief that every citizen of Kaduna State deserves a genuine sense of belonging regardless of religion, ethnicity or geographical origin.
“It is in furtherance of this vision that I have chosen Mr. Jerry Adams to join me on this journey,” Sani said.
The governor praised Adams as an accomplished public servant and institution builder whose leadership transformed KADIRS into one of Nigeria’s most respected revenue agencies.
He also described his running mate as a man of integrity, humility and professionalism, adding that his emergence underscored the administration’s commitment to merit, competence and character in leadership.
Governor Sani further urged the people of Kaduna State to view the nomination beyond religious and ethnic considerations, insisting that the administration remained committed to building a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive state where every citizen has an equal stake.
The development has been viewed by political observers as a significant response to the concerns raised by stakeholders from Southern Kaduna, who had consistently argued that the deputy governorship position should reflect the state’s diversity and reinforce the administration’s message of inclusiveness.
The appointment also lends credence to the Sunday Sun report, which accurately highlighted both the growing pressure on the governor and the emergence of Jerry Adams as one of the leading aspirants for the deputy governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
(The Sun)