A DIVINE TICKET OF DESTINY: UBA SANI AND JERRY ADAMS—THE POLITICS OF HUMILITY, MENTORSHIP, AND SHARED PURPOSE

A DIVINE TICKET OF DESTINY: UBA SANI AND JERRY ADAMS—THE POLITICS OF HUMILITY, MENTORSHIP, AND SHARED PURPOSE

By Hon. Victor Mathew Bobai

History is often written by those who win elections, but greatness is remembered through character. Long after campaign posters fade and political slogans disappear, what remains is the testimony of lives that touched others, bridges that were built, and hope that was restored.

To me, Governor Senator Uba Sani and Comrade Jerry Adams represent that rare school of leadership where power is viewed not as a throne to occupy but as a trust to preserve.

Some leaders command authority. Others command respect. The truly exceptional command both because they first learned how to serve.

There comes a time when one must say publicly what many people already know but seldom give the significance it deserves. Today, I choose to place that testimony on record.

Around 2010, during the administration of the late Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, before the PDP primaries for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District, His Excellency encouraged some of us in separate meetings to support the aspiration of Comrade Uba Sani.

Among those involved at different stages were Comrade Jerry Adams, Hon. Victor Mathew Bobai, Dr. John Danfulani, Hon. Solomon Jacob Maiyaki, the late Peter Bisala, Solomon Dawa of Kagarko, the late Shanka Shinkut, the late Ishaku Nkom, the late Alfred Fada Maisamary, Comrade Bagudu Joseph, Hon. Adams Sunday (popularly known as Yaron Yakowa), together with several friends from Northern Kaduna, including Hon. Musa Aliyu Kali, Hon. Yunusa Shusha, Mal. Sly Lere and many others. Of course, Hon. Musa Aliyu Kali, a.k.a. The General, was the leader.

Although Comrade Uba Sani did not secure the party ticket, he neither protested with bitterness nor turned against those who prevailed. He accepted the outcome with dignity, convinced that destiny cannot be delayed by disappointment. He went ahead to support Hon Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar Mairago.

That moment revealed the psychology of true leadership.

A leader who survives disappointment without becoming bitter becomes stronger than one who has never tasted defeat.

Years later, patience embraced destiny.

After Comrade Shehu Sani served as Senator representing Kaduna Central, Uba Sani eventually earned the mandate of the people in 2019.

His journey reminds us that timing is one of God’s greatest instruments. A delayed opportunity is not always a denied opportunity.

Long before then, Uba Sani had acquired invaluable experience at the national level during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. Working in public affairs exposed him to governance, diplomacy, strategic communication, institution building, and the delicate art of managing relationships across political, social, and economic divides.

He learned that politics is not merely the science of winning elections; it is the discipline of winning hearts.

That lesson became the foundation of his political philosophy.

Those who understand Kaduna politics know that Governor Uba Sani has consistently preferred dialogue over confrontation, reconciliation over division, and loyalty over resentment.

Even when political interests shifted, he maintained respect for those with whom he had worked. He chose maturity over malice and service over self-glorification.

That is political mentorship at its highest expression.

It is leadership that produces more leaders instead of more enemies.

Beyond politics lies another remarkable quality—his generous spirit.

Long before I became a member of the APC, while I was still in the PDP, Governor Uba Sani never allowed political differences to become personal barriers. Through Privilege Communications Nigeria Limited, publishers of Privilege Magazine, he encouraged my professional journey, supported publications, inspired excellence, and strengthened my resolve to remain committed to media development.

Such gestures were never announced on billboards.

They were quiet investments in people.

The greatest leaders plant trees whose shade they may never personally enjoy.

That same spirit finds expression in Comrade Jerry Adams.

Long before public office beckoned, Jerry Adams was already known for lifting burdens that did not belong to him. During his years with Coca-Cola, he became a symbol of generosity, often supporting weddings, burials, community gatherings, and friends in need. Many remember him carrying not merely crates of soft drinks but carrying hope into the lives of ordinary people.

His generosity was not measured by the abundance of his possessions but by the abundance of his heart.

He suffered economic setbacks because he consistently chose friendship over selfishness, compassion over convenience, and loyalty over personal comfort.

Such men are rare.

They understand that wealth is not what one keeps but what one gives.

Perhaps that explains why Governor Uba Sani found in Jerry Adams not merely a political associate but a reflection of values he himself cherishes.

Great minds recognise familiar virtues.

Character attracts character.

Purpose attracts purpose.

Their partnership is therefore more than a political arrangement.

It is the convergence of two journeys shaped by sacrifice, refined by humility, and united by service.

Many supporters see this ticket as a reflection of inclusion, fairness, and shared responsibility. They believe it symbolises a united Kaduna where leadership draws strength from diversity and where every community sees itself in government.

In that sense, it is viewed not merely as an electoral ticket but as a bridge of trust—a partnership that speaks to unity, balance, and common purpose.

Leadership flourishes when power is balanced by compassion, authority by humility, and ambition by responsibility.

That is the deeper meaning many supporters attach to the Uba Sani–Jerry Adams partnership.

The collaborative synergy between Governor Uba Sani and the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.) represents one of the most defining peace-building models in Kaduna State in recent years.

Their partnership did not start with the Ministerial appointment. It was built during General Musa’s tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, where the synergy among President Tinubu, Governor Uba Sani and General Musa contributed significantly to stabilising several communities and improving local security responses in parts of Kaduna State.

That foundation has now matured into a broader socio-economic and political philosophy:

1. Peace-Building Through Inclusive Security

Governor Uba Sani adopted a non-kinetic, people-centred approach – dialogue with non-state actors, community ownership of security, and close coordination with the Armed Forces. General Musa provided the strategic national security backing for this model.

The result, as acknowledged by Southern Kaduna groups, is a period of relative stability that Southern Kaduna had not enjoyed for years. Communities that were once flashpoints are now hosting major cultural and developmental events.

General Musa himself captured this philosophy at SKFEST 2026 in Kafanchan:

“The Armed Forces and other security agencies cannot do it alone. We need the cooperation of the communities. When the people support us, success is assured.”

He further called for vigilance and intelligence sharing: “We must identify those within us who are helping criminals. When you see something wrong, report it promptly”.

2. Socio-Economic Dividends of Peace

Peace has become the currency for development in Southern Kaduna under their collaboration:

Healthcare transformation: Governor Sani publicly thanked General Musa for initiating the process for conversion of the Southern Kaduna General Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre, alongside remodelling of General Hospitals in Kafanchan, Kaura, Kachia and Sanga.

Humanitarian resettlement: Joint efforts led to projects like the Qatar Sanabil Project Phase 1 at Millennium City – homes for families displaced by banditry.
Investment confidence: With improved security coordination and quicker security responses, Southern Kaduna is now seeing renewed economic activities, cultural tourism through SKFEST, and restored confidence for SMEs and agriculture.

3. Political Philosophy – Inclusion as Governance

Governor Uba Sani’s leadership has been described as reflecting integrity, compassion and a strong sense of purpose. His consistent promotion of peace, stability and inclusive development aligns with General Musa’s own ethos of collective service:

“This award belongs not only to us but to all hardworking sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna who continue to serve with dedication. Progress is the product of collective vision, shared sacrifice, and sustained collaboration”.

This inclusive philosophy has politically reintegrated Southern Kaduna into the centre of Kaduna State’s governance and national leadership.

4. The Goodwill Factor

The goodwill enjoyed by General Christopher Gwabin Musa, both within Nigeria and internationally, further strengthens the confidence of many citizens that Southern Kaduna continues to make significant contributions to national leadership and development.

This goodwill is institutional, not personal. The award of Southern Kaduna Grand Commander (SKGC) to General Musa was in recognition of his contributions to national security, peacebuilding and his representation of Southern Kaduna on the global stage.

SOKAPU in its open letter of December 2025 noted that Musa’s appointment as Defence Minister has renewed confidence among Nigerians, particularly the people of Southern Kaduna, who have faced years of persistent security challenges. SOKAPU specifically applauded Governor Uba Sani for his constructive role in supporting that appointment.

In essence, the Uba Sani-Musa collaboration has transformed peace from a military objective into a socio-economic and political opportunity – proving that when federal military experience and state-level inclusive governance converge, Southern Kaduna’s potential as a contributor to national development is fully brightened.

As supporters of the Renewed Hope Agenda, we remain grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his confidence in Governor Uba Sani and for supporting leadership that many believe reflects competence, inclusion, and national unity.

As for us, our choice is clear.

We shall continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Senator Uba Sani, and Comrade Jerry Adams because we believe leadership must be judged by character, service, compassion, and vision.

Politics built on hatred soon collapses.

Politics built on justice endures.

Politics built on loyalty inspires generations.

Politics built on humility becomes history.

The story of Uba Sani and Jerry Adams is, in many ways, the story of two comrades whose separate journeys were preparing them for a common assignment.

One refined by strategy.

The other refined by sacrifice.

One known for building bridges.

The other known for lifting people.

Together, they remind us that the strongest political structures are not built with concrete and steel but with trust, integrity, mentorship, and shared purpose.

May Almighty God continue to grant them wisdom, courage, humility, and good health as they continue to serve Kaduna State and Nigeria.

For every generation is remembered not only by the leaders it elected, but by the values those leaders chose to defend.

Hon. Victor Mathew Bobai
SSA on Public Affairs to Governor Uba Sani and Convener of Friends of CG Musa