The recent endorsement by two intellectual groups has boosted Senator Shehu Buba Umar’s aspiration as the quest to occupy Bauchi state’s governorship seat hots up.
Umar is aspiring on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) come 2027.
The groups – The Think-Tank for the Dream Bauchi Project, led by its Chairman, Prof. Musa M. Kirfi, and Lawyers for the Cause of Bauchi State, led by its Deputy Co-ordinator, Mahmood M. Maidoki Esq. (Bencher), gave the endorsement in a joint statement on Monday in Abuja.
The groups, in the statement titled: “Our Stand on Issues of the Moment in Bauchi State,” said having assessed the situation on the ground in terms of the numerous aspirants to the governor’s office across party lines, they firmly believe Senator Umar’s performance so far in the senate.
They also said that Umar is the best among all the aspirants considering his educational background as a doctoral research fellow, his age bracket, experience in national and local politics and above all, uncommon commitment to the development of Bauchi State and its people.
“As bodies of men and women that have for long been involved in the struggle for a better leadership, governance framework and fortunes-changing leadership in Bauchi state, we are adding our voice in support of the governorship aspiration of the Distinguished Senator Shehu Buba Umar.
“We are supporting his aspiration for these reasons and we are confident that only Shehu Buba candidature will guarantee victory for the APC in Bauchi State.
“The electoral appeal of the masses which is necessary for victory in any election, especially in a state like Bauchi, coupled with the fact that even card-carrying members of other political parties have resolved to vote for him, makes it wise that the party field him for the office of the Governor,” the groups said.
They described the decision by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to jettison their plan of defecting to APC as “welcoming.”
“Politically speaking, Bauchi State needs a new break from the old and narrow arrangement which the Bauchi PDP represents.
“With the 2027 elections a matter of months away, it is certainly not in the best interest of the state to narrow the conversation to APC, PDP.
“If the truth is to be told, Bauchi State is grappling with many serious issues at the moment such that the focus of the leadership should be directed to providing solutions to these problems rather than dissipating energy on issue of defection.
“After all, the people of Bauchi are wiser politically that changing platform by the PDP structure in the state will not earn them any leverage politically.
“May we further add that what the APC in Bauchi need now are political leaders with quintessential qualities and value addition but not those whose career is confined to the law of diminishing returns,” they added.
The groups, therefore, thanked President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the party, including APC’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for listening to the concerns of party members who voiced opposition to Governor Muhammed’s joining the party.
“For standing by the truth and justice on this issue, you have made the party more popular in the state.
“The people of Bauchi State are highly socialised and matured politically, so when the time comes, we shall say thank you.
“All we are asking for is let the momentum be sustained and victory is assured by God’s grace,” they said.
According to them, distinguished Shehu Buba Umar is a legitimate politics personified, the very reason Bauchi State people see him as a symbol of unity, progress, and inclusive development.
“As intellectuals and groups that are guided by facts, verifiable information and commitment to the collective progress of Bauchi State, we shall continue to partner with Senator Buba and other politicians of goodwill towards delivering the forthcoming mandate at the governorship and other levels.
“To take Bauchi to the desired level of progress and development, all hands have to be on deck,” they concluded.
