Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has taken his 2027 re-election campaign to Kankara, calling on residents to consider the performance of his administration and that of President Bola Tinubu before deciding who deserves their votes in the next general elections.

Speaking at the Tinubu/Dikko campaign rally on Wednesday, Radda maintained that the APC-led governments had recorded significant achievements in the state, urging voters to judge their performance by the projects delivered and the improvements made in their communities rather than political promises.

The governor highlighted his administration's efforts to address outstanding pension obligations, revealing that approval had been granted for the payment of retirement benefits to 14,560 beneficiaries across Katsina State.

The beneficiaries, he explained, include eligible persons from all 34 local government areas and Local Government Education Authorities, as part of efforts to reduce the burden of inherited unpaid pensions and death benefits.

He also pointed to various government interventions in Kankara, including agricultural support, youth empowerment initiatives, palliative distribution, improvements in schools and investments in healthcare facilities.

According to Radda, these interventions provide residents with an opportunity to assess his administration's performance based on developments they can personally identify in their communities.

Expressing satisfaction with the large crowd at the rally, the governor described the turnout as a reflection of the confidence many residents had placed in the APC-led administration.

He promised to sustain ongoing development programmes and expand government interventions if given another opportunity to lead the state.

Radda also took a swipe at politicians who, he alleged, abandon their constituencies after winning elections but return during campaign periods to solicit votes without maintaining meaningful contact with the people.

He urged residents not to allow such politicians to influence their decisions, calling on eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and support the APC at all levels in 2027.

The Director-General of the Tinubu-Dikko Campaign Council, Ahmed Dangiwa, also addressed the rally, commending Kankara residents for their continued support for the party.

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Dangiwa urged the people to ensure that the enthusiasm demonstrated at the gathering translated into actual votes, stressing that political support must be reflected at polling units during the elections.

Beyond the campaign rally, Radda visited traditional and religious leaders in Kankara, where he sought their prayers and cooperation towards ensuring peaceful elections in 2027.

The District Head of Kankara, Alhaji Adamu Bello, used the meeting to commend the state government's efforts to improve security and restore stability, particularly in addressing disputes between farmers and nomadic herders.

However, he urged the government not to relent in its efforts, noting that sustained peace was essential for farming activities, economic growth and the general wellbeing of residents.

Bello also acknowledged ongoing renovation work at Kankara General Hospital and a school project in Mabai, appealing to the government to ensure that both projects were completed promptly to enable residents to benefit from them.

He further raised concerns over the safety of schools, calling for stronger security arrangements to protect pupils, teachers and educational facilities.

The district head also stressed the need for additional road infrastructure, particularly feeder roads linking rural farming communities to major roads and markets.

He said improved road connections would make it easier for farmers to transport their produce, reduce difficulties associated with movement and stimulate economic activities in the area.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Kankara Local Government Area, Alhaji Kasimu Dantsoho Katoge, described the governor's visit as an important opportunity to strengthen ties between the government and the people.

He said sustained engagement with local communities would help deepen cooperation and provide opportunities for government officials to understand the needs and expectations of residents.