Governor Uba Sani gives 39 vehicles to Kaduna interfaith groups to support peace and elections

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State announced the donation of thirty‑nine vehicles to major interfaith organisations, including the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and a range of Islamic and Christian sects. The distribution, carried out through the state’s Director General of Interfaith, Malam Tahir Umar Tahir, is intended to support advocacy for peaceful coexistence and to help ensure a free and fair election in Kaduna and across Nigeria.

Malam Tahir explained that the governor warned some politicians, anticipating defeat, might attempt to disrupt public peace before, during or after the upcoming elections. He recalled a prior request from the First Aid Group of Fityanul Islam for six buses to aid its peace‑building activities during an August national seminar. In response, the governor pledged four buses – two for the national body and two for the Kaduna chapter – and indicated that similar support would extend to other Islamic first‑aid groups and the Christian Boys Brigade.

The governor also directed that Hummer buses be allocated to the Kaduna state chapters of JNI and CAN, and that additional vehicles be provided to other Islamic sects and blocks within CAN to assist their religious activities. The Director General of Interfaith added that any remaining Christian denominations or Islamic sects not covered in this round would be considered for future assistance.

Background

Since taking office a little over three years ago, Governor Uba Sani has maintained regular engagement with religious leaders in Kaduna, according to Malam Tahir. This engagement has included the distribution of various state resources, such as free fertilizer, and the allocation of political appointments, aimed at fostering goodwill among the state’s two dominant faith communities. The current vehicle donation follows a pattern of the governor’s outreach to both faith groups, seeking to promote harmony and democratic participation.

The interfaith body’s Director General highlighted that the governor’s approach aligns with religious teachings: Muslims are encouraged to reciprocate kindness, while Christians are urged to pray for their leaders. He appealed to believers to pray for the governor’s re‑election, suggesting that continued support would enable further development initiatives.

Why it matters

The provision of thirty‑nine vehicles directly impacts the operational capacity of JNI, CAN and associated sects, enabling them to conduct peace‑building activities, community outreach and logistical support for election monitoring. By bolstering these organisations, the governor aims to mitigate potential electoral violence and promote a stable environment for voters.

Representatives from the Kaduna chapters of JNI and CAN publicly thanked the governor, emphasizing the importance of the donation for continued peace and development in the state. The move also signals to political actors that the administration is prepared to intervene with material support to maintain order during a critical electoral period.

What happens next

Malam Tahir indicated that the state will continue to assess the needs of other religious groups that were not included in this initial distribution, with further allocations to be decided in due course. The governor’s office has not specified exact timelines for additional donations, but the ongoing engagement suggests that future support will be linked to the evolving security and electoral landscape in Kaduna.