The 2027 governorship race in Bauchi State is shaping up as a five-cornered contest featuring candidates from the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and People’s Redemption Party (PRP). The field includes a former governor, two former senators, a former commissioner for finance, and a former secretary to the state government, making it a formidable lineup.
Backgrounds of the candidates
Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar (APC) served as governor from 2015 to 2019 before losing to incumbent Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed. Yakubu Adamu (APM) is the immediate past Commissioner for Finance, credited with helping transform Bauchi from an agrarian state into one with notable infrastructure and social services. Ibrahim Mohammed Kashim (NDC) was Secretary to the State Government under Bala Mohammed, often defending the administration's achievements. Senators Halliru Dauda Jika (ADC) and Shehu Buba Umar (PRP) have represented the state at the national level and understand the electorate's needs.
Key questions about continuity
Despite the strong field, observers question whether the Bala Mohammed administration has failed. The governor's 'My Bauchi Project' has overseen progress in roads, healthcare, education, and urban renewal, including the state's first flyover and an International Conference Centre. Many argue the state is better off than in 2019. This raises the issue: why oppose a succession plan that preserves these gains?
Former governor Abubakar has publicly praised Bala Mohammed's performance, even after losing to him. Similarly, Kashim repeatedly described Bala Mohammed as a visionary leader during his tenure as SSG. Their current opposition to continuity appears contradictory. As Kola Oyerinde, a public affairs commentator, notes: 'One cannot convincingly spend years applauding the direction of an administration and then suddenly argue against the continuation of that same direction without explaining what fundamental circumstances have changed.'
The case of Yakubu Adamu
Yakubu Adamu of APM is seen as a key figure in implementing Bala Mohammed's agenda. His youth, energy, and administrative experience, combined with the goodwill from the governor's inclusive policies, position him as a strong candidate. Oyerinde suggests that voters may prefer continuity over experimentation, drawing parallels to the late Premier Ahmadu Bello, who deferred leadership to Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa for the greater public interest.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the electorate. However, the inconsistency between the praise for Bala Mohammed's achievements and the opposition to his succession remains a central issue. As Oyerinde concludes, 'on the question of who should succeed Bala Mohammed and safeguard the legacy of good governance that he established, the joke is substantially on M A Abubakar and Ibrahim Kashim.'
