“Katsina Should Not Be Celebrating Amid Insecurity and Poverty” — Kaita

Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Katsina State, has urged residents to mark the state’s 39th anniversary with prayers and sober reflection rather than celebration, citing insecurity, poverty and concerns over governance.

Kaita made the call in a statement issued in Abuja by his spokesperson, Abubakar Ahmed, as Katsina commemorated 39 years since its creation.

Reflecting on the state’s journey since its creation, the ADC candidate said Katsina had reached an age at which it should have achieved greater stability and development, but argued that many residents were still confronted by insecurity, economic hardship and poverty.

He called on the people to use the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing the state and seek divine intervention.

According to Kaita, the occasion should go beyond festivities and provide an opportunity for citizens to examine the direction of the state and the conditions under which ordinary residents are living.

The governorship candidate acknowledged that some previous administrations had made efforts to improve the state, but said he believed recent years had brought renewed economic difficulties and insecurity that had left many residents vulnerable.

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He subsequently turned his attention to the 2027 general elections, urging voters to view the election as an opportunity to decide the political direction of Katsina.

Kaita called on residents to assess the records and programmes of political contenders before casting their ballots, while advocating for an administration that, in his view, would place greater emphasis on security, economic opportunity, accountability and inclusive governance.

He said the ADC intended to offer an alternative to the existing political structure in the state.

“The party is committed to introducing transparent and inclusive leadership that fully carries citizens along in its mission to take Katsina State to greater heights,” he said.

Kaita’s comments come as insecurity remains a major issue in parts of Katsina and other North-West states, with authorities continuing to deploy security and other measures to address criminal activity in affected communities.

As Katsina enters another year of its existence as a state, the ADC candidate's message combines a call for spiritual reflection with an appeal for voters to make governance and development central issues in the political choices ahead of 2027.