Politics has a way of revealing intentions through timing. The recent gathering organised by the camp of Hon. Mukhtar Chawai and tagged “APC Strategic Engagement Kauru Local Government” came shortly after public criticism of his decision to seek a third term in the House of Representatives.
To many people in Kauru, this did not look like genuine engagement with the electorate, but a hurried attempt to manage growing public dissatisfaction.
From all indications, the event appeared more like a meeting of familiar political allies and media supporters than a true interaction with the people of Kauru.
In a democracy, such a distinction matters. Meetings can be organised, statements can be issued, and loyalty can be declared, but elections are ultimately decided in communities, wards, and polling units by ordinary voters.
A major message pushed at the event was strong allegiance to Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Loyalty to party leadership is normal and expected. However, loyalty alone does not win elections.
What wins elections is trust, and trust is built through performance, presence, and respect for the people’s will. Kauru people are not opposed to the APC, and they are not opposed to the governor. What they are opposed to is being asked to support leadership they believe has failed to represent them effectively.
The 2023 House of Representatives election remains fresh in public memory. Hon. Mukhtar Chawai did not win that election at the polling units. He was defeated by a wide margin, about 5,000 votes, clearly reflecting the mood of the electorate at the time.
His eventual emergence through the courts “may” have concluded the legal process, but it did not erase the political reality. Many voters still feel their decision was overturned, and that feeling has continued to shape public opinion.
When someone assumes office under such circumstances, the expectation from the people is usually high. Constituents expect visible effort, strong advocacy, and clear benefits to the constituency.
Sadly, many residents of Kauru find it difficult to point to major projects, impactful representation, or consistent engagement that justify prolonged tenure. This gap between expectation and experience explains the growing frustration across the local government area.
Across Kaduna state and Nigeria, there are clear examples that show that effective representation is not about age or long years in politics. Young legislators like Bello El-Rufai have shown that staying connected to constituents, attracting meaningful interventions, and regularly communicating progress is possible within a short time. These examples make it difficult for voters to accept excuses for underperformance.
This is why the current push for a third-term bid raises serious concerns. Seeking another term is not wrong in itself, but it must be supported by clear achievements and renewed public support. Without these, such ambition begins to look like personal interest rather than public service. Many people in Kauru are asking a simple but important question: “What has changed since 2023 to justify another mandate?”
The attempt to closely associate with the governor also raises concerns among voters. Governors win elections by aligning with candidates who enjoy genuine grassroots support. Associating with someone widely perceived as having been rejected at the polls carries political risks. Kauru people are politically aware and have a history of expressing their views clearly through the ballot.
This piece is not to attack Governor Uba Sani. It is a sincere message from the Kauru Youth Ambassadors (KYA). If the governor truly desires success in Kauru local government area, he should listen directly to the people, not only to political intermediaries. Honest consultations across wards and communities will confirm the prevailing mood. The people want credible, responsive, and people-oriented representation.
Democracy is more than court judgments and party meetings. It is built on consent and trust. When leaders lose touch with this reality, they lose the people. Kauru voters have already made their position known once, and there are strong indications they are adamantly prepared to do so again.
At the end of the day, power does not flow from proximity to authority, it flows from the people. Allegiance can be declared at events, but acceptance can only be earned at the polls. That is the simple truth Kauru continues to affirm.
Opinion By Junaidu Ishaq Maisalari; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
