Why I picked Jerry Adams as my 2027 running mate – Uba Sani

By Hussaina Yakubu

Kaduna governor Uba Sani has described his selection of Jerry Adams as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election as a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to inclusion, justice, fairness, equity and equal opportunities for all citizens of the state.

Sani said this on Tuesday when he confirmed the nomination of Adams, the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

Sani made the announcement on Tuesday in Kaduna.

Adams will replace current Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who is also a Muslim like the governor on the 2027 ticket.

Balarabe has served as deputy governor since 2019 and is completing her second consecutive term.

She is therefore not eligible for another term of office under constitutional provisions.

However, Sani said the choice of Adams followed extensive consultations, deep reflection and prayers, stressing that it reflected values that had guided his administration since assuming office on May 29, 2023.

The governor said the nomination went beyond selecting a deputy governorship candidate, adding that it symbolised the determination to strengthen unity and deepen citizens’ sense of belonging.

According to him, Kaduna’s religious, ethnic and cultural diversity remains its greatest strength and should continue to unite, rather than divide the people.

Sani said his administration had spent over three years healing divisions and restoring public confidence through inclusive governance and equitable distribution of development projects.

He said investments in roads, schools, healthcare, water supply, agriculture and social protection had reached all 23 local government areas without discrimination.

The governor added that collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and community groups had strengthened peace and promoted shared development.

He said improved security had enabled farmers to return to their fields, businesses to expand and investments to grow across many communities.

Sani described Adams as an accomplished public servant and tax administrator who transformed the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service through innovation, transparency and professionalism.

He said Adams’ leadership strengthened the state’s revenue generation, enabling greater investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and other critical sectors.

The governor also described Adams as a man of integrity, humility and competence, committed to peace, reconciliation and inclusive governance.

He said the nomination underscored his administration’s resolve to prioritise merit, competence and character in public leadership.

Sani urged Kaduna residents to embrace the development through the vision of a united state, rather than the lenses of religion, ethnicity or geography.

He pledged to continue building a peaceful, secure, just and prosperous Kaduna, expressing confidence that the administration would leave a stronger foundation for future generations.

Analysts believe that the choice of Adams will further strengthen support for Sani in Southern Kaduna

Speaking recently, during a meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Kaduna, Adams had commended Sani over his efforts to promote peaceful coexistence across religious and ethnic lines in Kaduna State.

“Governor Sani is doing well. He has done a lot in terms of peacebuilding and inclusivity. People are no longer talking about segregation in religion. What people are asking for is fairness, and that is what is happening now,” he stated.

He also noted that Sani has strengthened his relationship with communities in Southern Kaduna with engagement with traditional institutions.

“We have seen the governor in different Christian fora as a Muslim. Especially those of us from Southern Kaduna have seen him respect our traditional rulers”.