The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop misleading Nigerians and confront the realities of insecurity and economic hardship facing citizens across the country.
The monarch made the remarks during a visit to his palace in Katsina by Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
In a video of the meeting conducted in Hausa, the traditional ruler delivered a strong message to Yari and other political leaders, stressing the need for honesty, accountability and people-centred leadership.
The Emir expressed concern over the worsening security situation, particularly its impact on farmers who are increasingly unable to access their farmlands because of insecurity.
He also highlighted the economic difficulties confronting ordinary Nigerians, urging political leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens rather than concentrate on political campaigns and rivalry.
Addressing Yari, the monarch said leadership comes with the responsibility to speak the truth, regardless of the political consequences.
“Director-General, you are now in a position of leadership. This is not just about this place; it concerns the entire country. We are all children of this nation, and we must stand for the truth,” the Emir said.
He urged the campaign chief and other political stakeholders to communicate the realities on the ground to those in positions of authority, warning against allowing political interests to overshadow the suffering of the people.
According to him, the most pressing concerns should include the safety of citizens, the ability of farmers to return to their farms and the economic opportunities available to Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.
The monarch also questioned the nature of political engagement in the country, arguing that politics should be about persuasion, dialogue and listening to opposing views rather than hostility and personal attacks.
“What is politics? You convince me to accept your conviction. You must be wise enough to listen to what I have to say. That is politics. It is not fighting or condemning others,” he stated.
The Emir’s remarks also drew attention to what he described as the misplaced priorities of politicians who devote considerable energy to attacking their opponents instead of addressing the country’s pressing challenges.
He maintained that political leaders must be willing to listen to criticism and acknowledge the difficulties facing the population if they genuinely intend to improve the lives of Nigerians.
The comments come as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and their supporters beginning to position themselves for the next electoral contest.
The Emir’s intervention places renewed emphasis on the need for political leaders to address public concerns about insecurity, economic hardship and the livelihood of ordinary citizens.
His message to Yari and the APC leadership was clear: political ambition must not come at the expense of truth, accountability and the welfare of Nigerians.
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