Governor Uba Sani, Senator Shehu Sani and the Pragmatism of Power.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has announced support for Senator Shehu Sani’s bid to reclaim the APC Kaduna Central Senatorial District seat in the 2027 elections, signaling a rare political reconciliation in Nigerian politics. The decision reverses their 2019 primary contest, where Uba Sani defeated Sani—who was backed by the APC national leadership—before winning the general election. Despite holding significant influence in Kaduna State and close ties to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Uba Sani chose not to permanently marginalize his former rival. The realignment is notable given the transactional nature of Nigerian politics, where alliances often dissolve quickly. Both men share a history as pro-democracy activists, having opposed military rule together, though their paths diverged in electoral politics. Sani, a vocal critic of successive governments, faced imprisonment under General Sani Abacha’s regime for alleged subversive activities and later clashed with political leaders during civilian rule. Uba Sani’s endorsement comes after his tenure as governor, where he earned the nickname *‘Uba na Jama’a’* (the people’s governor) for prioritizing grassroots welfare. His decision to support Sani—despite their past rivalry—highlights a strategic shift, possibly aimed at broader political and developmental goals for Kaduna State. The move also contrasts with typical Nigerian political behavior, where victors often ensure defeated opponents never regain influence. Analysts suggest the reconciliation could strengthen APC’s position in Kaduna ahead of 2027, particularly in a senatorial district where party loyalty has historically been volatile. Sani’s return to mainstream politics may also reflect Uba Sani’s willingness to foster unity over vendetta, a departure from the adversarial norms of Nigerian electoral contests.