By Mohammed Baba Busu
A popular Latin adage says – Vox populi, vox Dei, that is “The voice of the people is the voice of God”.
Indeed, these are not the best of times for one of Nigeria’s finest legal icons – Muhammed Ndarani Mohammed (SAN), the Hukunchi Nupe and Hukunchi Kasan Hausa, popularly known as Ndarani (SAN).
This is because of the intense pressure and calls from various associations, groups, individuals, associates and many residents of Niger state, particular those in local governments that constitute the Niger South Senatorial district (Zone A), for him to declare his intention to join the senatorial race come 2027.
The pressure is getting intense as each day passes by. These calls and pressure for Ndarani to indicate interest in joining the Niger South senatorial race did not take many residents of the state by surprise.
This is because over the years, Ndarani, a learned silk has demonstrated immense care and love for Niger state in general and residents of his senatorial district in particular. No one can dispute the organic love Ndarani has for his people. He has been showing up and standing with them in times of need and distress.
The current pressure being mounted on Ndarani (SAN) brings to mind the saying that: “The good you put out into the world… never goes unnoticed by the universe. It might return to you through an unexpected opportunity, a helping hand when you least expect it, or simply a sense of peace and fulfillment.” Indeed, the good deeds of Ndarani to residents of Niger state over the years, is returning back to him.
Apart from the calls by individuals and other critical stakeholders, recently, two prominent groups joined in increasing the pressure on the legal icon, appealing him to consider joining the senatorial race. In fact, critical stakeholders have begun meetings and strategising to ensure the victory of Ndarani come 2027.
Recently, two groups – the Supreme Support for Good Governance (SSG-3) Niger South, and the Ndarani Advocacy Movement (NAM), presented letters requesting him to contest the Niger South (Zone ‘A’) senatorial seat.
In their letter, the Ndarani Advocacy Movement (NAM) said: “We are here today because we believe you are the most qualified to represent Niger South in the Senate.
“Sir, we have done our research on your life’s journey, your remarkable record of academic excellence and professional achievements as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has convinced us to support your aspiration for Senate.
“Your personal attributes – humility, empathy, philanthropy and exceptional communication skills, makes you a unifying force to drive meaningful progress in our district.
“We need your vision, passion and expertise in the senate to elevate Niger South Senatorial District to new heights.“
On the other hand, the Supreme Support for Good Governance (SSG-3) Niger South, made similar call in their separate letter titled: ‘Letter of request to contest for senatorial position (Zone A).’ Part of the letter reads: “Your philanthropic efforts, grassroot presence and public popularity have made you the preferred choice among youths from the eight local governments in the zone. Your leadership is seen as a beacon of hope for improved political leadership and representation.
“We recognise your commitment to serving the community and the nation through different fora and we believe your grassroot engagements, experience, expertise and international engagement will be invaluable in the Senate. Our goal is to offer, publicly present, support your candidacy and work collectively towards its actualisation for a brighter future of our communities and Nigeria at large.
“For avoidance of doubt, the Niger Coalition of youth groups will be responsible for the purchase of the necessary forms for your proposed candidacy. This is in the spirit of people-driven candidacy and representation needed to ensure transparency and accountability.”
This is apart from many other groups that are already meeting and strategising on how to woo residents of the senatorial district to massively join in supporting the Ndarani candidacy.
Only few days ago, stakeholders under the umbrella of “Critical Stakeholders/Enablers for the NDARANI Senatorial Candidacy Project”, held a crucial meeting in Minna. The meeting was, as usual, aimed at formalising strategies to ensure the success of the he Ndarani (SAN) senatorial project.
Critical stakeholders and enablers have mapped out strategies for the senatorial success of Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, in Niger South.
The stakeholders Critical Stakeholders/Enablers maiden Meeting for the NDARANI, SAN Senatorial Candidacy Project took place in Minna, the state capital on Thursday to formalize their strategies.
The meeting attracted key political actors, grassroots leaders and stakeholders from across Niger South Senatorial District (Zone A).
The Convener of the meeting, President General of CAGRAT and National Chairman Nupe Development Forum(Nupe-Defo) Engr. Muhammadu Dagaci, Zarumi Agaie, stressed that credible leadership and good governance can only be achieved when citizens actively participate in building consensus and working collectively towards shared goals.
“Representative democracy is for the people, and it is time we took ownership of it,” Dagaci said.
“We must be more participatory, more duty-conscious, and protect our rights and freedom as guaranteed by our laws.”
He urged participants to work together to ensure credible elections, accountable leadership and governance that prioritises development and the happiness of the people, warning that “self-imposed candidates have plagued our democracy for too long, and it is time to put an end to it”.
The president general reminded the audience that leadership is generational and that succession planning remains central to sustainable development.
“One generation does not rule forever; we must work together to build a better future for ourselves and generations yet unborn,” he stated.
The Coordinator, Supreme Support for Good Governance (SSG-3) / Niger South Youth Coalition Political Movement, Muhammed Mahmud Etsu explained that the movement is anchored on the principles of inclusive governance, transparency, accountability and effective representation, noting that Ndarani’s antecedents in public service, legal advocacy and community development resonate strongly with their vision for Niger South.
He stressed that the coalition is prepared to work with other stakeholders to build a broad-based political consensus capable of delivering victory at the polls, while fostering unity and peaceful political engagement across the zone.
They noted that Ndarani’s vision and mission, coupled with his track record of achievements, positioned him as a credible candidate capable of taking the zone to greater heights.
Several speakers, who admitted they had not met him personally, said they had consistently heard of his immense contributions to the development of Nupe land, describing them as commendable and a clear indication that, if given the mandate, the zone would enjoy effective and people-oriented representation.
Ndarani was described at the meeting as an international senior lawyer and renowned human rights activist, widely respected for his humility and commitment to the welfare of ordinary people.
The meeting ended with a renewed resolve by the stakeholders to deepen consultations and grassroots mobilisation in support of the senatorial project of Ndarani.
Indeed, at this point, Ndarani (SAN) has no option than to succumb to the pressure which is coming from different groups, associations, civil society organisations and individuals. He must accept it, because this is no more mere men that are speaking, it is God. Therefore, Ndarani must treat the barrage of calls with a sense of urgency, because “the voice of the people is the voice of God”.
Ndarani (SAN) must take these clarion calls seriously, because over the years, he has shown love to the people and the people have decided that it is time for them to pay him back. It is a well known fact that when you wish good for others, good things return to you with great measure of love. This is the law of nature. He should also know that kindness, good deeds and positive intensions create a ripple effect bringing blessings back in unexpected ways.
Some of the things that endeared Ndarani (SAN) and triggered his love in the hearts of the residents of Niger State is his continued determination to introduce youth-friendly initiatives and programmes aimed at improving unity and oneness among youths of the state. One of such initiatives is the introduction of a football competition among youths of remote areas where fourteen teams participated.
This, according to many residents of the areas, will not only improve peace building but will also assist in unraveling the hidden football talents of the state. Some of which in the near future can be shining stars in both local and international football teams, including Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.
To show the seriousness and importance of the football match, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; Shaba Nupe, Alhaji Manko Yilata, district heads; village heads; Imams; Prof. Tanko Suleiman, Vice-Chancellor, Edu Soko University, Bida; among others, attended the final match.
Another reason that made Ndarani (SAN) to enjoy such magnitude of love and support from people of Niger state is his ability to patiently and tenaciously follow up and secure compensation on the case between the Federal Ministry of Power and Samboro community over the devastating damages that affected the community as a result of the construction of the Zungeru Hydro Dam.
It would be recalled that sometimes in April 2023, the village head of Samboro community, Malam Usman, and 2,844 other members of the community approached the court through their Counsel, Muhammed Ndarani Mohammed (SAN), in case number NSHC/ KUT/6/2023 demanding compensation.
The doggedness and ingenuity of the Ndarani (SAN)-led legal team led to the award of over one trillion Naira compensation to the affected communities by the court.
This, indeed, was seen by residents of Niger state as a demonstration of care and love for the people considering that the Ndarani legal team handled the case pro-bono.
Also, in his usual characteristics of demonstrating care and love to residents of Niger State, Ndarani (SAN) visited the victims of the May 2025 Mokwa flood disaster.
It would be recalled that the massive flood disaster which was caused by a heavy rainfall submerged a considerable part of Mokwa town in Niger State causing severe damage.
During the visit, Ndarani (SAN) donated N30 million to the victims. This, many described as the highest donation from a single individual. According to them, this indicated the depth of love the legal icon has for his people.
Also, in 2025, in a deliberate effort to develop the Nupe language, Ndarani sponsored 10 students to study Nupe Language at the university level.
The scholarship programme took effect after the commencement of the Nupe Language degree programme approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2025.
The legal icon disclosed that he has kept aside millions of Naira to fund the scholarship of the beneficiaries from 100 to 400 level.
“We are fully prepared to support and formally unveil the Nupe Language degree programme once it begins.
“We will also invite our associates and well-meaning individuals to support by sponsoring more students. By the grace of God, we intend to create opportunities for outstanding graduates to participate in international exchange programmes after graduation,” Ndarani said.
Besides, Ndarani (SAN) has provided succour and interventions in several communities in the areas of healthcare, water supply, electricity, rural road networks, agricultural inputs and entrepreneurship, among others.
There is no doubt, Ndarani (SAN) gave the first shot of demonstration of love to his people. They are now paying him back by saying with a loud voice “come and represent us in the Senate”. This call, Ndarani (SAN) must respond positively.
Baba Busu writes from Minna, Niger State
