By Professor Mohammed Al-Amin
There is an old saying that truth does not fear scrutiny. In moments of political tension, it is often not the words themselves that are disputed, but the intentions behind how they are interpreted.
In recent days, Katsina State has been at the centre of a manufactured controversy, driven not by facts, but by deliberate distortion. The attention of the group, ‘BuildBeyond 2027 Movement’ has been drawn to a coordinated campaign of misinformation aimed at twisting the clear and straightforward remarks of the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umar Radda. In a desperate attempt to score cheap political points, certain actors have pushed a false narrative suggesting that Governor Radda has distanced himself from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. These claims are not only misleading, they are entirely false.
The Twisted Narrative and the True Meaning
At the centre of the controversy is a simple statement made by Governor Radda which states:
“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.”
To any objective observer, this is not a controversial remark. It is a fundamental democratic principle-a call for accountability, transparency, and performance in leadership.
Governor Radda was not referring to President Tinubu. He was addressing elected officials of Katsina State origin across local, state, and federal levels. As the leader of the party in the state, he was issuing a clear directive: leadership must be earned through service, and mandates must be justified through performance. This was not a rebuke. It was a reaffirmation of democratic responsibility.
The Machinations of a Frustrated Opposition
What is unfolding is not a misunderstanding — it is a deliberate act of political mischief. The invisible hand of opposition elements, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and allied coalitions, is evident in this campaign.
Faced with increasing political realignments and a wave of high-profile defections in Katsina State, the opposition has grown increasingly desperate. Their propaganda has failed to gain traction, and the reality of growing support for the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Tinubu has left them scrambling for relevance.
In their frustration, they have resorted to manufacturing crises where none exist-attempting to create a false impression of discord between Katsina State and the Presidency.
Governor Radda has previously described such coalitions as “disgruntled persons who are unhappy because they are not in government.” Recent actions have done nothing but validate that position.
The Unbreakable Bond Between Radda and Tinubu
Facts, not speculation, define relationships in governance. The relationship between Governor Radda and President Tinubu is rooted in trust, respect, and shared purpose. This bond is not theoretical —it is visible and well-established.
President Tinubu personally stood as Waliyi (guardian) during the wedding Fatiha of Governor Radda’s daughter, a gesture that goes beyond politics and reflects a deep personal connection. Governor Radda himself has publicly described the President as “a true son of Katsina State.”
At the National Economic Council, President Tinubu openly commended Governor Radda for his “exceptional efforts in defending the nation’s freedom, liberty, and commonwealth,” particularly in addressing security challenges.
Beyond words, there are tangible outcomes. Key federal infrastructure projects-including the second phase of the Katsina-Kano road and the Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line-have progressed under the current administration, reflecting strong collaboration between the state and federal governments.
Politically, the alignment is equally clear. Governor Radda has led stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina to endorse President Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 elections, with a commitment that Katsina will deliver overwhelming support. These are not signs of division. They are evidence of unity.
A Clear Message to Political Opportunists
The ‘BuildBeyond 2027 Movement’ views the ongoing misinformation campaign as an attack not just on individuals, but on the integrity of democratic discourse. Let it be clearly stated: attempts to undermine the cohesion of the APC-led government through false narratives will not succeed. The movement remains vigilant and committed to exposing misinformation and holding accountable those who seek to destabilise political unity for personal gain.
Political discourse must be grounded in truth, not manipulation. The electorate deserves clarity, not confusion.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the noise of political rhetoric lies a more important reality: governance is ongoing, development is continuous, and leadership is being tested through results.
The relationship between Katsina State and the Federal Government remains strong. The focus remains on security, infrastructure, economic growth, and improving the lives of citizens.
No amount of misinformation can erase visible progress or rewrite established facts.
Why does this matter?
It is a reminder that political loyalty is measured by results, alignment, and accountability-not by manufactured narratives. While misinformation persists, the Governor and his administration remain focused on governance, security, infrastructure, and improving the lives of citizens.
A message to political opportunists: The BuildBeyond 2027 Movement is clear-attempts to undermine the cohesion of the APC-led government through false narratives will not succeed. We will confront and expose every agent of destabilisation and merchant of fake news attempting to erode political unity.
Lessons for Leadership
Accountability in governance must not be mistaken for dissent. Democratic principles must be upheld without manipulation. True leadership is measured by alignment, results, and integrity.
Governor Dikko Radda’s statement was not a signal of division —it was a call for responsibility. Katsina remains aligned with the leadership at the centre. The bond between Governor Radda and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is intact, strong, and forward-looking.
In politics, perception can sometimes compete with reality, but only temporarily. Facts endure.
Governor Dikko Radda’s statement was a call for accountability, not a signal of division. The attempt to twist it into a political rift is both dishonest and unsustainable. Katsina remains aligned with the leadership at the centre. The bond between Governor Radda and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is intact, strong, and forward-looking.
The BuildBeyond 2027 Movement stands firmly in defence of truth, unity, and responsible leadership.
Long live Governor Dikko Radda.
Long live President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Professor Mohammed Al-Amin, Is a DG, BuildBeyond 2027 Movement
