In a strong show of solidarity and unity, a delegation of governors under the banner of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) paid a condolence and goodwill visit to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State following his recent road accident and the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Led by Senator Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo State and chairman of the PGF, the delegation met with Governor Radda at the Katsina Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
The visit followed an accident involving Governor Radda along the Katsina-Daura highway.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Governor Uzodimma expressed gratitude to God for sparing Radda’s life and emphasising the visit’s symbolic and emotional importance.
“We give glory to God that you are strong, out of the hospital, and ready to continue the mandate given to you by your people. This is more than a visit, it is a gesture of brotherhood and unity”, he said
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State led the opening prayer, while Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue offered the closing prayer.
Uzodimma urged Radda to prioritise his full recovery, assuring him that fellow APC governors were solidly behind him.
“Take your medications, recover fully, and rejoin us soon. Our party is growing stronger, and our unity is firm,” he added.
Beyond the visit over the accident, the governors also offered heartfelt condolences to Governor Radda over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
They acknowledged his national legacy and the heavy loss Katsina and the nation felt.
Visibly moved by the support, Governor Radda expressed deep appreciation to his colleagues.
“I feel deeply honoured to welcome you all. This visit is not something I take for granted,” he said.
Highlighting the collective participation of the governors in Buhari’s funeral as a powerful sign of national unity.
He then commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for personally leading a high-level delegation to the funeral, describing it as a historic and symbolic gesture.
“In the history of this country, we’ve never seen a former President honoured in this way,” he noted.
Governor Radda reaffirmed his belief in the unity of the APC and the strength of its governors, adding, “With this level of togetherness, we are sending a message to all that we are prepared, focused, and, Insha Allah, will be victorious behind our party.”
The meeting was attended by several APC governors and senior officials, including the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State; Governors Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo). Senator Akan Udosen Eyakenyi, deputy governor of Akwa Ibom, represented Governor Umo Eno.
Others present included Katsina State deputy governor, Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe, AUDA-NEPAD national coordinator Alhaji Jabiru Salisu Abdul Tsauri, and other senior officials.
