With the 2027 governorship election still over a year away, political activity in Bauchi State has already taken on an unmistakable intensity.

Though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to formally lift the ban on political campaigns, aspirants across party lines have begun quiet but deliberate manoeuvres aimed at securing party tickets and strategic alliances.

Observers of Bauchi politics note that the race to succeed Governor Bala Mohammed is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the state’s recent history. From seasoned technocrats and career politicians to political converts and first-time aspirants, the field is both crowded and complex.

Beyond the visible contenders, insiders insist that a “dark horse” may emerge one capable of navigating party structures, elite consensus and grassroots expectations in a state known for its intricate political dynamics.

Governor Bala Mohammed, adminstration will end in 2027, is widely expected to play a decisive role in determining the direction of succession within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Many stakeholders believe the governor would favour a successor capable of consolidating his policy legacy while maintaining party cohesion.

The Major Contenders Across Party Lines

Among the prominent figures linked to the race are Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Rt.Hon Abubakar Suleiman, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (APC); Senator Shehu Umar Buba (APC); Senators Abdul Ahmed Ningi, Haliru Dauda Jika; Hon. Farouk Mustapha, Hon. Usman Adamu Sufee, Hon. Yakubu Adamu, and Deputy Governor Muhammad Auwal Jatau (PDP).

Others include Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (rtd), Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti, Senator Nazif Sulaiman Ganawa, Rt. Hon. Sadiq Baba Abubakar, and Capt. Bala Jibrin, many of whom are aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Ali Pate: Technocrat with Abuja Backing

Professor Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Minister of Health, is a familiar name in Bauchi’s governorship calculations. A technocrat-turned-politician, Pate has long harboured gubernatorial ambitions. Critics argue that his perceived distance from grassroots politics could work against him, while supporters point to his proximity to federal power and international exposure as assets that could strengthen the APC’s chances.

Shehu Buba: Legislative Influence, Executive Questions

Senator Shehu Umar Buba, representing Bauchi South, commands significant influence within the APC. A former caretaker chairman of Toro Local Government, his supporters cite his political growth, while detractors question his preparedness for the administrative and political complexities of governing Bauchi State.

Abubakar Y. Suleiman: The Quiet Force

Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, is often mentioned in hushed tones as a potential “dark horse.” Known for his calm disposition, grassroots engagement and loyalty to Governor Bala Mohammed, Suleiman has avoided open ambition, often deferring his political future to divine will. His growing acceptability among lawmakers and traditional elites has not gone unnoticed. The Dan Galadiman Ningi and member, Ningi Emirate Council, Dan Iyan Ari and Madakin Uban Dawakin Bauchi, has not hidden his support to ensure that Governor Bala Mohammed finished strongly. He is an ardent advocate for justice, peace and commitment to the development of the state.

Farouk Mustapha: Grassroots Appeal, Shifting Fortunes

Former House of Representatives member and Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon. Farouk Mustapha, remains a recognizable grassroots politician. Having defected from the APC to the PDP ahead of the 2023 elections where he served as Director-General of Governor Bala Mohammed’s campaign his political influence has fluctuated, though his loyal base remains intact.

Sadique Abubakar: The Comeback Bid?

Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (rtd), former Chief of Air Staff and APC’s 2023 governorship candidate, remains a major political force. Despite losing narrowly and exhausting all legal channels up to the Supreme Court, his supporters argue that his discipline, national stature and administrative experience still resonate. Now linked with the ADC, many believe his persistence keeps him firmly in contention.

Haliru Jika: Serial Aspirant, Strategic Reset

Senator Haliru Dauda Jika has traversed nearly every rung of elective politics in Bauchi from the State Assembly to the Senate. His 2023 governorship bid under the NNPP failed to gain traction, and analysts argue that he must recalibrate his political style and alliances to improve future prospects. His recent alignment with the ADC may offer a fresh platform.

Yakubu Adamu: Technocrat in Political Waters

Dr. Yakubu Adamu, the state’s Commissioner for Finance, is a banker-turned-politician whose emergence has generated debate. While some see his ambition as premature given limited political experience, others speculate that his proximity to power may yet shape his trajectory. For now, his acceptability among party heavyweights remains uncertain. Currently, he is facing allegation of money laundering involve N5.7billion.

Bala Wunti: Wealth, Networks and Structure

Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti, a retired civil servant, is believed to be quietly laying the groundwork for a possible APC ticket. Known for philanthropy and financial muscle, analysts are divided on whether resources alone can compensate for limited grassroots structures across Bauchi’s 20 local government areas.

Maitama Tuggar:

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, brings international experience and political pedigree. However, his strained relationship with the incumbent governor and relatively low grassroots visibility could complicate his quest for party dominance in Bauchi.

Usman Sufee and Others: Testing the Waters

Usman Adamu Sufee, a former private-sector professional and serial party switcher, is viewed by many as a peripheral aspirant whose ultimate target may be a lesser office. Similar assessments trail a number of other aspirants whose ambitions remain fluid.

The Road Ahead

As the permutations continue, one thing is clear: Bauchi’s 2027 governorship race will not be short on ambition, intrigue or political recalibration. Party primaries, elite consensus and grassroots mobilisation will ultimately determine who emerges as a serious contender and who fades into the long list of pretenders.For now, the battle lines are being quietly drawn.

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