*Katsina Remains APC Stronghold as New Party Chairman Emerges — Governor Radda*

By Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed that the state remains a stronghold of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the successful conduct of the party’s ward, local government, and state congresses.
Speaking at the APC State Congress held in Katsina, Governor Radda said the peaceful and orderly exercise demonstrated the unity and organisational strength of the party in the state.
The congress, which brought together delegates from the 361 wards across the 34 Local Government Areas of the state, produced a new State Executive Committee through a consensus arrangement endorsed by party stakeholders.
Governor Radda commended party members for their discipline and maturity throughout the process, describing the exercise as a clear reflection of the party’s commitment to democratic principles.
“This process demonstrates that Katsina APC remains united, organised and committed to democratic values,” the governor said.
He congratulated members of the Local Organising Committee for ensuring effective coordination of the congresses from the ward to the state level, noting that their dedication guaranteed a transparent and credible process.
The governor also congratulated the newly elected party leaders, describing their emergence as a call to greater responsibility and service to both the party and the people of Katsina State.
“Katsina State remains an APC state. All elected officials in this state are members of our great party. We expect the new leadership to consolidate our achievements, promote unity and strengthen our political structures across all levels,” he said.
Governor Radda assured the new executive of his full cooperation and support as leader of the party in the state, pledging that his administration would continue to work closely with party organs to ensure sustained progress.
“As governor and leader of the party in the state, I will make every commitment necessary to support you and ensure your success. Together, we will build a stronger and more united APC,” he added.
The governor also commended the electoral committee from the party’s national headquarters, as well as the screening and appeal committees and security agencies, for their professionalism throughout the congress.
He further reaffirmed the state’s loyalty and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging continued cooperation with the Federal Government in advancing policies aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s development.
Earlier, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and former Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Tukur Ahmed Jikamshi, confirmed that all procedures for the congress were conducted in line with the Electoral Act and the APC constitution.
According to him, consultations were held with relevant committees from Abuja and all required materials and candidate lists were duly submitted to the electoral committee before the commencement of the exercise.
“The stage is fully set, and we have acted strictly in accordance with the laws of the party. We have handed over all materials for the smooth conduct of this congress,” he said.
Also speaking, the newly elected APC State Chairman, Bishir Gambo Saulawa, described his emergence and that of other members of the State Executive Committee as a collective mandate to serve the party faithfully.
“It is an honour done not only to me but to all members of the State Executive Committee. We assure you that we will work in the best interest of the party, the state and Nigeria,” he stated.
He pledged that the new executive would operate with transparency, inclusiveness, discipline and fairness while promoting unity across the 361 wards and 34 local government areas of the state.
The newly elected executive council includes Alhaji Bala Abu Musawa as Deputy Chairman, Hon. Adnan Nahabu as Secretary, Ahmad Hassan Mashi as Organising Secretary, and Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi as Assistant Organising Secretary.
Others include Mai Unguwa Iro Sabuwa as Publicity Secretary and Alhaji Umar T. Mustapha as Welfare Secretary.
Zonal Vice Chairmen are Alhaji Samaila Garba (Funtua), Alhaji Yahaya Idris (Katsina) and Musa Maikudi (Daura), while ex-officio members are Alhaji Muhammadu Gwanda, Ibrahim Bala (Funtua) and Kabiru Salisu Dan Hisba (Jibia).
Hamza Muhammad Sheme and Murtala Shehu emerged as Youth Leader and Assistant Youth Leader respectively, with zonal youth leaders including Alti Yahaya Mati (Funtua), Aliyu Aliyu Marafa (Daura) and Samaila Usman (Katsina).
Women leaders are Saratu Ibrahim Danja (Funtua), Ladidi Umar Gwalele Batagarawa (Katsina) and Rashida Abdulkarim Baure (Daura), with Sa’adiya Abdullahi Tama (Bindiga) as Assistant Women Leader and Aisha Yahaya representing Matazu.
Other officials include Muhammad Salisu Danmusa and Faruk Tsiga as Financial Secretaries, Tanimu Umar Maigari and Hassan Shuaibu as Treasurers, Mamman Yaro Batsari and Nafiu Garba Dandume as Auditors, Shamsu Sule as Public Relations Officer and Sulaiman Salisu Aruwa as Assistant PRO.
Legal advisers are Balele Umar Kurfi and Ali Sani Iliyasu Runka, while special representatives include Muntari Sani for Persons with Disability and Kabiru Shehu as Welfare Secretary representing Mani Local Government Area.