Katsina resignations deepen speculation over reported Radda-Masari rift

Hon. Nuu’man Muhammad Imam, a Senior Special Assistant to Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, has resigned from his position amid reported tensions between political camps linked to the governor and former Governor Aminu Bello Masari.

Imam, who served as Senior Special Assistant on Community Development Programme and Coordinator for the Batagarawa/Charanchi/Rimi Federal Constituency, announced his resignation in a letter dated October 5, 2026.

The former Chairman of Rimi Local Government Council said he took the decision after careful consideration.

In his resignation letter, Imam thanked the Katsina State Government for giving him the opportunity to serve and expressed particular appreciation to Governor Radda for his support and confidence.

It has been an honour to contribute to the development initiatives within the constituency and to serve the people,” he said.

He described his time in office as an opportunity to gain valuable exposure and expressed gratitude for the privilege of serving the state.

“This decision has not been made lightly, but after careful consideration, I have deemed it necessary to step aside from this role,” Imam said.

His resignation follows several other departures from the Radda administration, including former Katsina Hisbah Commander-General Aminu Usman, Deputy Commander of Operations Muhammad Shitu Maslaha, former Pilgrims Welfare Board Chairman Kabir Bature, Special Adviser on Youth Development Abubakar Tsanni and Senior Special Assistant on Project Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, Fadila Dalhatu.

The series of resignations has generated political interest because of its timing, coming as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections.

Reports have linked some of the departures to alleged differences within the Katsina APC, particularly between Governor Radda and political figures associated with the camp of former Governor Masari.

However, there has been no official confirmation from either side that the resignations are connected to such a dispute.

The speculation comes despite public efforts by the APC to project unity in the state. In September, party stakeholders passed a vote of confidence in Governor Radda and pledged their support for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Radda also secured the APC governorship ticket for a second term in May through a consensus arrangement attended by major party stakeholders, including former governors Masari and Ibrahim Shehu Shema.

With another political appointee now out of the administration, attention is likely to remain focused on whether the recent departures are routine administrative changes or part of a broader political realignment in Katsina ahead of 2027.