The Paramount Ruler of Gbagyi Chiefdom, Sa-Gbagyi, HRH Ishaku Yari (Esu Chikun II), has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and Senator Shehu Sani for re-election in the 2027 general elections.
Yari said the people of Gbagyi Chiefdom and other ethnic nationalities in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State would be mobilised to vote for the three leaders in recognition of what he described as their contributions to the development and welfare of their communities.
The traditional ruler announced the endorsement when Senator Shehu Sani paid him a courtesy visit at his palace.
He expressed satisfaction with the policies of the Tinubu administration and the leadership style of Governor Uba Sani, describing the forthcoming elections as an opportunity for the people to reciprocate the leaders’ contributions to their communities.
The monarch declared his readiness to mobilise the Gbagyi people and other ethnic groups in Chikun to support the re-election bids of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates at all levels.
He said he would encourage his subjects to participate actively in the electoral process, while urging traditional leaders across the various communities to communicate the message of support to their people.
“I am not afraid to come out and tell my people to come en masse to vote for All Progressives Congress candidates, from the President and Governor to senators and other candidates,” Yari said.
He added that traditional rulers across the various communities had a responsibility to engage their subjects and ensure they were adequately informed about the forthcoming elections.
Speaking on Senator Shehu Sani, Yari recalled what he described as the senator’s longstanding commitment to defending the interests of residents of Chikun Local Government Area, particularly during periods of heightened insecurity and disputes over land ownership.
The monarch also recalled the controversy surrounding alleged threats to demolish Gbagyi Villa during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, noting that Shehu Sani had consistently spoken out on issues affecting the Gbagyi people and other vulnerable communities.
He commended the senator for his interventions on security challenges in Northern Nigeria, saying he had used his position in the National Assembly to draw attention to the worsening security situation and the plight of affected communities.
Yari further highlighted the senator’s reported contributions to healthcare infrastructure, including the construction of a hospital, describing such interventions as important to improving access to medical services for residents.
The traditional ruler also praised Shehu Sani for challenging alleged land-grabbing practices and defending residents’ rights during disputes over land and property.
According to him, these interventions had strengthened the senator’s relationship with communities in Chikun and informed the decision to support his return to the Senate.
Despite endorsing the three political leaders, Yari appealed to the relevant authorities to reconsider the cases of teachers who were dismissed from service and facilitate their reinstatement.
He said addressing the concerns of the affected teachers would demonstrate the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare and help strengthen public confidence in its policies.
The appeal highlights the continuing concerns over the welfare of affected workers as political parties and their supporters begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Issues relating to security, education, healthcare, land rights and economic welfare are expected to remain important considerations for voters in Kaduna State as the election approaches.
The endorsement by the Sa-Gbagyi signals support for Tinubu, Uba Sani and Shehu Sani among the communities he represents.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, the monarch’s appeal for the reinstatement of dismissed teachers also underscores the importance of addressing local grievances alongside political mobilisation.
