In politics, truth often becomes a casualty of ambition, but in Katsina, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has chosen the path of honesty over the comfortable lies that become the currency of our political system. Recently, he appeared on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, where he made bold stands on the country's burning political issues.

His response to the emerging political coalition, separated him from the pack of timid governors who prefer to whisper their thoughts in private rather than speak truth to power. With the boldness of a man who has nothing to hide and everything to prove through his record, he posed questions that every discerning Nigerian should ask: “Who are these people in the coalition? What exactly is new about them?” I considered these surgical strikes at the heart of recycled politics. Those who package old wine in new bottles, and expect the people to celebrate as if they have never tasted wine before.

The coalition that Governor Radda so eloquently challenged consists of familiar faces who have had their turns at various levels of governance—Atiku, Obi, Ameachi, Aregbesola, Mark, El-Rufai, and their associates. Their sudden discovery of patriotism and their newfound concern for the masses would be touching if it were not so transparently opportunistic. These are political entrepreneurs who emerged from comfortable retirements to offer solutions to problems they’ve helped create or failed to solve when they had the chance.

Governor Radda's challenge to them regarding fuel subsidy funding cuts through their populist rhetoric like a sharp knife through overripe fruit. "If they want to return the fuel subsidy, they should say how they'll fund it. Where will the money come from?" This is the question that separates serious governance from campaign drama. Anyone can promise the moon; it takes a true leader to show the rocket that will take you there.

There’s a popular saying that the truth is bitter. And I am sure Radda has told the truth and asked sincere questions. This prompted the reaction of the opposition to his truthful observations about their coalition. The questions that reveal the poverty of their political strategy. Like children caught in mischief who can only respond with tantrums when confronted with evidence of their wrongdoing, they have chosen to attack the messenger rather than address the message. Their inability to provide substantive responses to his questions about funding mechanisms for their grand promises exposes the shallow nature of their political project.

It is no coincidence that Governor Radda stands alone among his peers in having the courage to speak truth to the coalition's power. While others calculate political risks and measure their words on the scales of electoral arithmetic, this governor has chosen to be guided by the compass of honesty. His willingness to challenge recycled narratives and demand accountability from those who seek to return to power brings him close to the circle of a few leaders who prioritizes national interest over personal political safety.

But Governor Radda's political boldness is matched only by his administrative excellence. Like the wise elder who refuses to sugarcoat bitter medicine for a sick child, he acknowledged what many of his contemporaries dare not admit: Nigeria's economic challenges are real, painful, and deeply felt by the common man. However, where others see only problems to exploit for political gain, he sees opportunities for genuine solutions. He reminds us that economic hardship has been Nigeria's unwelcome companion across administrations—from the military era through civilian rule. Shagari, Obasanjo, Jonathan, Buhari and present.

In Katsina, where agriculture remains the backbone of livelihood for ninety percent of the population, Governor Radda administration inaugurated different interventions, provided access to tractors, and scaled up extension services. When a man can feed his family, his dignity remains intact, and from dignity springs the strength to build a better future. This is a Governor that knows how to address people's sufferings.

He also has an innovative approach to youth empowerment—a six-month training program that birth new employers of labour was organized. This is the kind of forward-thinking leadership that turns the demographic challenge of youth unemployment into a demographic dividend of productive citizens.

In healthcare, Governor Radda matched infrastructure development with human capacity building and world-class equipment. Recruitment of doctors, training of personnel and of course ambitions to engage over 10,000 health workers across the state  are not a child's play. It’s a systematic development that will create sustainable change rather than temporary fixes.  

The governor's decision to send 40 students to Egypt to study medicine, with the condition that they return to serve their local governments, is particularly ingenious. It addresses the brain drain that has plagued Nigeria, then allows rural communities to benefit from quality healthcare. This is a patriotic investment in human capital that will pay dividends for generations.

These tangible achievements have sent the opposition in Katsina to a political extinction. They now find themselves confronting a governor whose record speaks louder than their promises. The people of Katsina have tasted the fruits of purposeful leadership, and no amount of political rhetoric can erase the memory of improved livelihoods.

Governor Radda's invitation to the media and the public to visit Katsina and witness his administration's work firsthand is the ultimate expression of confidence in one's record. It is the challenge of a leader who has nothing to hide and everything to show. In a political environment where many leaders avoid scrutiny like vampires avoid sunlight, this governor opens his doors and invites inspection.

As Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle, the contrast between Governor Radda's record-based leadership and the opposition's promise-based politics becomes increasingly stark. While the coalition members engage in political theater and attempt to rewrite history to suit their current narrative, Governor Radda continues the patient work of building institutions and empowering people.

When leaders deliver on their promises and improve the lives of their people, electoral support follows naturally. This is the kind of politics that builds nations—politics based on results, delivery and truth. The opposition in Katsina has learned this lesson the hard way, as their traditional strongholds have been converted into testimonies of effective governance under Governor Radda's leadership.

No matter what the naysayers proclaim or how loudly the coalition members protest, the road to 2027 is clear: President Tinubu will rule Nigeria once more when the time is ripe. This is not wishful thinking but a logical conclusion drawn from the evidence of purposeful governance demonstrated by leaders like Governor Radda.

The path forward for Nigeria lies not in the recycled politics of yesterday's leaders but in the innovative governance of today's problem-solvers. Governor Radda has shown that it is possible to be both honest about challenges and effective in addressing them. This confidence is worth every sane Nigeria's commendation. Till then, Radda has justified his name—bold, courageous and audacious.

Umar Farooq Muhammad is a  public  analyst and resides in  Lagos.He can be reached on kuliyaumar2005@gmail.com