by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, on Tuesday named the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Mr. Jerry Adams, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
In a statement announcing the nomination, the governor said the choice followed “wide consultations, deep reflection and prayers” and reflects his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, justice, equity and competence.
“This decision is far greater than the selection of a Deputy Governorship candidate. It is a reaffirmation of the values that have guided our administration since I took the Oath Of Office, on 29 May 2023; the values of inclusion, justice, fairness, equity and the unwavering conviction that “every citizen of Kaduna State deserves a genuine sense of belonging,” Governor Sani stated.
The governor noted that Kaduna’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity remains one of its greatest strengths.
Gov Sani stated that his administration has pursued policies aimed at fostering unity and equitable development, with investments in roads, education, healthcare, water, agriculture, rural development and social protection spread across all its 23 local government areas.
He added that sustained engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youth groups has helped strengthen peace-building, improve security, and restore confidence among farmers, businesses and investors.
Describing Adams as “an accomplished public servant, seasoned tax administrator and institution builder,” the governor credited him with transforming KADIRS into one of Nigeria’s leading revenue agencies.
Under Adams’ leadership, the governor said, the state’s internally-generated revenue has grown through innovation, transparency and professionalism, enabling more investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure and agriculture.
Governor Sani further described his running mate as a “man of integrity, humility and competence,” stressing that the nomination underscores the administration’s commitment to merit and inclusive leadership.
He urged Kaduna residents to view the decision beyond religion, ethnicity or geography.
“As we look towards 2027, I invite every son and daughter of Kaduna State to see this moment not through the narrow prism of religion, ethnicity or geography, but through the broader vision of the Kaduna we are building together; a Kaduna where every child can dream without fear, every community can flourish, every faith is respected and every citizen has an equal stake in our common future,” he said.
The governor expressed confidence that his administration has laid a solid foundation for a more peaceful and prosperous Kaduna, and pledged to consolidate on its achievements ahead of 2027.
Records recall that, Governor Sani picked Jerry Adams – a Christian indigene of the State, from Southern Kaduna – as running mate to replacing his Muslim’s running mate, Hadiza Balarabe, who served first tenure under the immediate past Governor of the State, Mal. Nasir el-Rufai, on Muslim-Muslim ticket, and second tenure with Uba Sani.