{
  "id": 7229772,
  "title": "Re: Challenges for Uba Sani over new running mate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/re-challenges-for-uba-sani-over-new-running-mate",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-14T01:33:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Trust",
    "slug": "daily-trust",
    "url": "https://dailytrust.com/re-challenges-for-uba-sani-over-new-running-mate/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a recent article titled \"Challenges for Uba Sani over new running mate\" published in the Daily Trust on September 10, 2026, Mohammed Ibrahim Yaba discussed the implications of Governor Uba Sani's choice of Jerry Adams as his running mate. However, this analysis may be overly focused on ethnic and religious factors, neglecting other crucial aspects such as competence and leadership experience. The piece should be taken with skepticism, as will be explained further.\n\nOne argument posits that the All Progressives Congress (APC) could struggle in Northern Kaduna due to the choice of Jerry Adams as Uba Sani's running mate. This assertion primarily hinges on the assumption that voters prioritize demographic considerations above all else. However, this viewpoint is fundamentally flawed, as it assumes that electoral success is solely determined by demographic calculations. While ethnicity and religion remain significant factors in Nigerian politics, they are not the only determinants of voter behavior. In contemporary politics, citizens increasingly consider leadership capacity, inclusiveness, public service records, and a candidate's ability to address pressing governance challenges. Thus, Governor Uba Sani's selection of Jerry Adams should be evaluated within the broader context of building a ticket that embodies the diversity of Kaduna State. Given Kaduna's rich cultural and religious diversity, it is essential for its leaders to prioritize inclusiveness and strengthen a sense of belonging among all segments of society. The article suggests that some constituencies might be uncomfortable with a shift away from the previous Muslim-Muslim configuration. Nevertheless, this notion that political viability should be measured by preserving any particular religious formula is misguided. Leadership should be judged based on character, competence, and commitment to public service. Some voices quoted in the article concur that factors like justice, fairness, and capacity carry more weight than religious identity when determining eligibility for public office.\n\nThe article also overlooks Jerry Adams' extensive public service experience, which should not be downplayed. Before becoming Governor Sani's running mate, Adams held senior positions at the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), such as Executive Director of Corporate Services and Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, KADIRS implemented reforms centered on transparency, efficiency, innovation, improved taxpayer services, and strengthened revenue administration. These initiatives aimed to boost taxpayer confidence and promote sustainable development through effective revenue management. Additionally, Adams brings over three decades of experience in public administration, taxation, accounting, corporate management, and institutional leadership. Moreover, the article seems to give excessive weight to Adams' Moroa heritage, implying that his ethnicity might hinder his political appeal within Southern Kaduna. This argument is unpersuasive, as political relevance is not solely determined by the size of an ethnic group. Numerous leaders throughout Nigeria have successfully built broad coalitions and garnered widespread support based on voters' confidence in their leadership abilities rather than their ethnic identity. Furthermore, the article acknowledges that Jerry Adams enjoys political capital and appeal among various age groups in Southern Kaduna. This observation merits closer scrutiny, as it indicates that his support extends beyond narrow ethnic considerations. Historical evidence also supports this point. Previous leaders from different communities in Southern Kaduna have consistently garnered voter support when constituents believe they can effectively represent their interests and advance regional development aspirations. Thus, suggesting that ethnic size or religious affiliation is the exclusive determinant of electoral acceptance in Southern Kaduna oversimplifies the political sophistication of its electorate. Moreover, Adams has demonstrated strategic advantages for the APC. Southern Kaduna has historically been one of the state's most politically competitive regions. Presenting a ticket that reflects both regional and religious diversity enhances the APC's ability to engage communities that may have felt underrepresented within the party structure. While the success of this strategy ultimately depends on multiple factors, it can be considered a rational political move rather than the liability some critics characterize it as. Lastly, Jerry Adams has displayed a strong commitment to community engagement in Southern Kaduna through humanitarian and social initiatives. Reports highlight his outreach efforts aimed at widows, vulnerable groups, and interfaith communities. Although these activities should not be overstated or viewed as substitutes for substantive public policy, they contribute to a narrative of a leader who remains connected to grassroots concerns and community development. As Kaduna residents grapple with pressing issues such as security, economic opportunities, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social cohesion, many voters will ultimately assess candidates based on their perceived ability to address these challenges effectively.",
  "summary": "I have read Mohammed Ibrahim Yaba’s article, “Challenges for Uba Sani over new running mate,” which appeared in the Daily Trust of Thursday, 10 Sep 2026, and while it sought to highlight the political implications of Governor Uba Sani’s choice of Jerry Adams as his running mate, I believe the analysis places too much emphasis on […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}