15/01/2026
Op-Ed: APC Crisis Must End — Tinubu Knows Sardauna’s Sacrifice; Why Is Yobe Silent?
By Haladu Madi
Elder statesman and prominent political leader in Yobe South, Hon. Haladu Madi (Kauran Potiskum), has justified his support for Haruna Sardauna’s ministerial aspiration, cautioning that continued sidelining of young leaders could jeopardize Yobe State’s political future.
In an interview, Madi said his over five decades of political engagement in Yobe gives him the moral authority to speak candidly, noting that most current actors joined politics long after him. He explained that his backing of Sardauna is rooted in experience, principle, and a commitment to safeguarding the state’s future.
Reflecting on the GNPP era, Madi recalled working with figures such as Hassan Albadewi, Barde Gadaka, Goni Potiskum, Goni Sanda Kusur, Bulama Damagum, and Barr. Bakura Ba’aba, among others. He said the responsibility of surviving elders is to guide today’s leaders and speak truthfully, adding that divine providence has kept them alive for this purpose.
Madi accused members of Governor Mai Mala Buni’s inner circle of deepening youth discontent and placing the APC in Yobe at risk. According to him, allegations of marginalisation and ethnic dominance are gaining traction in the media and reshaping the state’s political image nationally. He urged Governor Buni—whom he described as one of Nigeria’s most youth-friendly governors—to act decisively to halt the crisis.
While stressing that he has no personal disagreement with the governor, Madi said certain close allies are misleading him into denying young people access to national opportunities. He warned that similar missteps occurred during the Barr. Bashir Bale episode and could ultimately tarnish the governor’s legacy if unchecked.
He advised Governor Buni to reassess those undermining Sardauna and to discipline errant supporters where necessary. Madi described Sardauna as a focused mobiliser with clear political direction, arguing that the governor understands his value better than anyone. Given the national mobilisation role recently entrusted to Buni by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Madi said it would be strategic to bring Sardauna closer and deploy his capacity ahead of 2027.
Addressing criticisms of his open support for Sardauna, Madi clarified that Sardauna is not his political superior. He noted that Sardauna’s father, Adamu Dashu, was his political junior during the GNPP era. He said he is doing for Sardauna today what he once did for another young man who later became governor and a national figure.
Madi recounted his role in Governor Buni’s political rise, from facilitating his entry into government during the Mamman Ali administration to his progression through key roles culminating in the governorship. He also recalled how Sardauna sought his support in 2023 to mobilise for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential bid, which he facilitated by rallying his political network.
He warned that suppressing youth aspirations threatens Yobe’s future, arguing that Sardauna requires only modest backing from leaders. Madi maintained that no youth in Yobe or the North East sacrificed more for the Tinubu–Shettima ticket than Sardauna, including leading the successful push for the vice-presidential slot to go to the North East.
According to Madi, both President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are fully aware of Sardauna’s contributions. He described Sardauna as a nationally connected youth leader, a co-founder of the Tinubu Youth Ambassadors in 2016, and a key northern mobiliser who advocated power rotation from North to South during the Buhari era.
Madi said multiple Arewa youth groups endorsed Sardauna for Minister of State for Youth Development to ensure parity with southern youth representation. He explained that, following President Tinubu’s approval of this framework, three nominees—one from each northern zone—were submitted, with Sardauna representing the North East. He expressed concern that no Yobe leader has openly supported Sardauna and alleged active sabotage by state actors.
He further detailed Sardauna’s political journey, including his service under Governors Gaidam and Buni, his media and youth mobilisation roles, and his contributions to APC victories in 2019 and 2023. Madi said elders frequently relied on Sardauna as a channel to the governor and questioned why that support has since evaporated.
Warning of rising tension in Yobe South, Madi compared the situation to the fate of Barr. Bashir Bukar Bale, whose appointment and eventual removal he said cost the state a strategic position. He cautioned leaders against stifling youth ambitions, noting that widespread youth backlash can alter political dynamics.
Madi recalled former Governor Ibrahim Gaidam’s warning against rejecting young leaders and framed the unfolding events as divinely consequential. He urged party leaders to address grievances internally ahead of 2027.
He concluded that Sardauna and many young politicians are his mentees and that he has restrained their anger to prevent escalation. With Governor Buni’s appointment as Chairman of the APC Reconciliation, Mobilisation, and Strategy Committee, Madi said resolving Yobe’s crisis would be a critical test, visible to national stakeholders.
He also criticised the handling of a reconciliation committee led by Sen. Musa Mustapha, alleging intimidation of party youths and the arrest of a leading voice, Abdullahi Amaroso, before diplomatic intervention secured his release. Madi advised dissolving the committee and forming a new, impartial one to restore unity.
Ultimately, Madi urged Governor Buni to “begin at home” by resolving Yobe South’s grievances, stabilising the party, and paving the way for APC’s success in the 2027 elections.
