Independence: Kaduna PDP Gov Candidate Demands Safer, More Equitable State
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Hon. Usman Shehu Bawa (ABG), has called for a fundamental rethink of Nigeria’s development trajectory, saying true independence must translate into security, opportunity and shared prosperity for citizens.
Bawa made the call in his Independence Day message to Nigerians to mark the country’s 66th anniversary on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Under the theme, “Safer Communities, United People and Shared Prosperity: A Kaduna that Works for All,” the governorship candidate said Nigeria’s founding vision of a nation where no citizen is oppressed or left behind remained unrealised for many Nigerians, particularly residents of Kaduna State.
He said persistent insecurity had undermined the freedom and livelihoods of communities across the state, with residents in areas stretching from Sanga to Birnin Gwari and Giwa to Lere living under fear.
According to him, farmers are increasingly afraid to access their farms while parents worry about sending their children to school.
“Security is not a political bargaining chip, it is a fundamental human right,” Bawa said, while acknowledging the efforts of the armed forces.
He, however, advocated stronger collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders, alongside institutional strengthening and more proactive security measures.
Bawa also identified investment in human capital as critical to Kaduna’s future, calling for the rebuilding of the health system and revitalisation of public education.
He said accessible healthcare and quality education were essential to preparing young people for a competitive economy and enabling the state to benefit from its youthful population.
On the economy, the PDP candidate said prosperity could not be separated from human dignity, stressing the need to create an environment where small businesses could thrive, agricultural value chains were protected and sustainable jobs created.
Bawa further pledged that his leadership vision would be anchored on what he described as the fair and equitable distribution of Kaduna’s commonwealth, irrespective of the senatorial zone or location of residents.
He said his proposed P.E.O.P.L.E Agenda would seek to ensure that development projects, public appointments, educational support and agricultural empowerment reached all 23 local government areas.
“No community, ward, or demographic will be marginalised or left behind in our pursuit of progress,” he said.
Bawa called for greater unity and mutual respect across ethnic and religious divides, saying a united Kaduna must be secure, educated, healthy and prosperous.
He congratulated President Bola Tinubu, the Kaduna State Government and Nigerians on the 66th Independence anniversary, urging citizens to use the occasion for sober reflection on the country’s journey and the work required to build a more inclusive future.
“Together, we can do it differently,” he said.
