The Katsina State Government wishes to categorically clarify recent misrepresentations of statements made by HE Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, regarding leadership accountability. Some media outlets, particularly from the southern part of the country, have twisted the Governor’s remarks to suggest disapproval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership. This is patently false and deliberate mischief.
For clarity, the Governor Radda’s statement was directed at state and local government leaders. It was not about the President. The Governor was calling on Katsina citizens to hold their state officials accountable through their votes. “Politics is an open game, not done in the dark. Anyone that leads the people well, let the people vote him again, and anyone that does not, the people should vote against him,” the Governor stated.
This is basic democratic principle. This is not criticism of the President. This is wise counsel to the people of Katsina State.
Without ambiguity, it is important to note that Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda is a strong pillar of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is not news. This is history. Recall, on 2nd February 2026, he organized a historic gathering in Katsina State. He brought together the nation’s political heavyweights to endorse President Tinubu’s reelection. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin was there. APC National Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was there. Ministers were there. Former governors were there.
This was not a small gathering. This was a statement. A clear statement that Katsina State stands with President Tinubu.
That the President even knows the worth of Radda gives naysayers migraine. When he visited Katsina State last year, he did not just pass through. He spent the night. He commissioned the Governor’s legacy projects personally. He walked alongside Governor Radda, celebrating what he has built.
Presidential time is scarce. Presidential attention is precious. The President does not spend nights in states for leaders he does not trust. The President does not commission projects for governors he does not believe in. The President slept in Katsina because he respects Governor Radda. The President commissioned Radda’s projects because he wants to celebrate his achievements. This privilege is rare. Very rare.
In the same vein, as the Chairman of the Northwest Governors’ Forum, Governor Radda has built consensus among seven governors to support the President’s agenda. This is not easy work. But Radda has done it. The northwest has become a strong base for the President’s policies and vision. This is Radda’s leadership. This is Radda’s commitment to Tinubu.
The relationship between Radda and Tinubu is not temporary. It is rooted in shared values. It is built on trust. It is unshakeable.
You may wish to recall that Dikko Radda starts supporting the Tinubu before he clinched the party ticket. Even when Governor Radda won his gubernatorial primary, he was visibly moving from north to south and west to east to campaign for Tinubu not minding the consequences he could have on his personal aspiration, should he lost the election. Now, we are here, someone somewhere is cooking mischievous and imaginary tales. No it should stop.
Going forward, we must caution those with access to social media platforms to be careful of what they share. They should verify before posting. Please think before you spread rumors.
Malam Dikko Radda vision is to develop Katsina State. Its leaders must perform. When they perform, they should continue. When they do not, they should go. This was the message he sent to state officials. This is the message for Katsina people. It has nothing to do with President Tinubu. The President is performing. The President is delivering. The President has Katsina’s support.
Let it be stated without any equivocation. Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda is solidly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Their relationship is more than political alliance. It is about shared commitment to Nigeria’s progress. It is about building a better country. And the Radda—Tinubu bond goes beyond 2027.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
