I am not a proxy; my candidacy is God’s plan, Governorship candidate

While many people are looking at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Dikko Radda’s administration in Katsina State, another political battle is happening within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

At the center of this battle is Salisu Uli, who got his nomination from a group in the party. Different factions are claiming control of the party in Katsina, and efforts to reconcile have not worked out yet. These disagreements have led to legal issues and raised questions about the party’s future as it aims to be a real choice against the ruling APC.

Katsina is also facing serious problems like insecurity, unemployment, low agricultural output, poor healthcare, and economic struggles. These issues will be key topics in the political discussions leading to the 2027 governorship election.

In a phone interview on June 2, 2026, Mr. Uli denied claims that he is a proxy candidate, talked about the ADC’s internal conflicts, shared his plans for unity, and explained his seven-point agenda for Katsina State.

PREMIUM TIMES: With the divisions in the ADC in Katsina State, how do you plan to unite the party before 2027?

Salisu Uli: I believe strongly that there is strength in unity. It is a fact that party unity is very important for winning elections. So, when we have issues within the party, we need to reach out, talk to people, and encourage them to come together.

The process might be tough, but we will do everything we can to unite because we want to provide a real alternative to the ruling APC.

The people of Katsina are dealing with insecurity, poverty, hunger, weak healthcare, bad education, youth unemployment, lack of transparency in governance, few industries, and corruption. These are the real issues we should focus on as we aim to build a new Katsina State.

PREMIUM TIMES: The rival camp has struggled to find a common candidate. Why do you think this is happening?

Mr. Uli: Political parties have structures and rules. In my opinion, when people try to operate outside these structures, confusion is bound to happen. The party exists for a reason, with recognized leaders and set procedures. When we ignore these structures, problems are sure to arise. This is what I think has happened.

PREMIUM TIMES: You talked about efforts to reconcile the factions in the ADC. How far did those talks go?

Mr. Uli: We made real efforts to reconcile. We had long discussions with both sides, including a night meeting in Kano. During those talks, we looked at different power-sharing ideas. We tried various options because our main goal was unity. However, we could not reach an agreement.

We suggested a 50-50 deal, then 30-70, and later 25-75. They turned down all those. They only offered us nine percent representation, six seats on the State Executive Committee and control of five local government areas: Funtua, Dandume, Bakori, Malumfashi, and Daura.

After those discussions, a draft settlement was made, but they didn’t sign it. That is why the case is now in the Court of Appeal.

Still, I believe there is strength in unity, and I am open to talking with every party member because we need to build a stronger ADC that can challenge the ruling APC.

PREMIUM TIMES: There are rumors in Katsina that your rise was supported by influential people behind the scenes. Some even call you a proxy candidate. What do you say to that?

Mr. Uli: (Laughs) No, no, no. That’s not true. Am I not qualified to run for governor of Katsina State? If I am qualified, I don’t see why anyone would think I am just a pawn. I want to clearly state that I am not and will not be a proxy for Governor Dikko Radda or anyone else. My nomination is from the party, not from a faction.

PREMIUM TIMES: If you weren’t planning to run, what made you accept the nomination?

Mr. Uli: The state chairman spoke to me and urged me to run because he said many people who were supposed to stay with the party had left. He believed the party needed a credible candidate to stay competitive in 2027. At first, I hesitated, but eventually, I agreed. I also want to say this: my candidacy came from God. It is God that made it happen. I did not plan to be governor, but circumstances led to this.

PREMIUM TIMES: Some critics say your candidacy comes from a faction rather than the party itself. What do you say?

Mr. Uli: My candidacy is not from a faction. There is a recognized party leadership in Katsina, and the party followed its processes to conduct activities. Through this structure, the party held primaries and selected candidates at different levels. That’s why I reject claims that my nomination is a factional arrangement. I insist that my candidacy came from the party and not from any faction.

PREMIUM TIMES: There are also claims about INEC’s view on some of the party’s congresses and activities. What is your response?

Mr. Uli: When did INEC invalidate anything? INEC officials were there to monitor our activities. On May 28, they were present to observe our primaries. Electoral officers from all 34 local government areas were involved in monitoring different stages of the process, from legislative positions to the governorship primary. Journalists were there too. Security agencies were also present. These activities were not secret.

PREMIUM TIMES: The ADC is also having issues at the national level. Which side does the Katsina chapter support?

Mr. Uli: The ADC in Katsina State is part of the national party. But the national disputes are for the leaders and the courts to handle. As a governorship candidate, I don’t think it’s right to talk too much on issues that are before the courts. At the state level, we focus on strengthening the party and getting ready for elections.

PREMIUM TIMES: Some political figures have strong political and financial networks. How do you plan to compete?

Mr. Uli: I am not new to politics in Katsina State. I served as State Organising Secretary of the PDP and later as Deputy Chairman and Acting Chairman. Those roles helped me connect with people across local governments, wards, and communities throughout the state. I have built relationships with grassroots stakeholders. That experience gives me a solid base for mobilization.

PREMIUM TIMES: Elections need a lot of funding. How do you plan to fund your campaign?

Mr. Uli: Funding is important in politics. But campaign financing must follow the law. I believe that once candidates are officially recognized and the electoral process moves forward, we will gather support and raise the needed funds for our campaign.

PREMIUM TIMES: Security is a major issue in Katsina. What will your administration do differently?

Mr. Uli: Security is the first point in my seven-point agenda. We will focus on having enough security personnel, working closely with federal security agencies, using state security structures effectively, and applying modern technology. No society can grow without security.

PREMIUM TIMES: Many politicians make similar promises. What makes your plan different?

Mr. Uli: We have created a clear strategy. But security matters need some confidentiality. It would be wrong to share operational details publicly. What I can say is our approach combines manpower, technology, intelligence gathering, and coordination among relevant institutions. The details will stay within the appropriate security channels.

PREMIUM TIMES: Agriculture is another important part of your agenda. What do you want to achieve?

Mr. Uli: Agriculture is the second point of our program. We plan to modernize farming through mechanization, irrigation, digital technology, and better access to inputs. Katsina has great agricultural potential, and we want to tap into that.

PREMIUM TIMES: You mentioned expanding farming beyond the usual cycles. How will that happen?

Mr. Uli: Right now, most farming happens in wet and dry seasons. Our goal is to create conditions that allow for three farming cycles each year through improved irrigation and modern farming methods. If done right, this will boost food production, create jobs, and strengthen the state’s economy. In the end, we want Katsina to be a major agricultural center that can supply food beyond its borders.

PREMIUM TIMES: How will you make sure local government funds reach the communities?

Mr. Uli: Transparency and accountability are key parts of our agenda. I have been a local government vice chairman, so I know the realities of local government work. We plan to strengthen accountability measures, improve transparency in resource distribution, and ensure public resources reach the communities they are meant for. Fighting corruption is also a big part of our program.

PREMIUM TIMES: Some say the ADC is just a platform for politicians leaving bigger parties. How is your candidacy different?

Mr. Uli: Political movement is common in Nigeria. Many politicians have belonged to different parties at different times. The main issue is not the movement between parties. The focus should be on principles and ideology.

PREMIUM TIMES: You often say you are a politician shaped by ideology. What do you mean?

Mr. Uli: I have always identified with progressive, left-wing politics. My family was part of the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) in the First Republic. During the Second Republic, they were active in the People’s Redemption Party (PRP). Later, they joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP). These traditions emphasized social justice, inclusion, and care for ordinary people. That remains the base of my political beliefs today.

PREMIUM TIMES: Why should Katsina voters trust you to lead in 2027?

Mr. Uli: The people of Katsina deserve a government that puts their welfare first. Many citizens had high hopes when the APC came to power. They believed in APC in 2015 and voted for Buhari, but many feel those hopes have not been met. Today, many still deal with insecurity, economic struggles, and poor public services. I believe Katsina can do better. People should come out and support us for what I call the freedom of Katsina State from the issues that have held it back.

Our vision is for a safer, more prosperous, more transparent, and more accountable state. If you look at my seven-point agenda, you will see our commitment to energy development. We want Katsina State to work towards energy independence and reduce reliance on the national grid.