2027: Senator Shehu Buba Declares for Bauchi Governorship, Slams PDP Govt.

From David Omokuvie, Bauchi

Senator Umar Buba Shehu, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 Bauchi State governorship election on the platform of the All-Progressives Congress (APC).

The declaration, held on Saturday at Magama Gumau, was witnessed by thousands of supporters, including members of the Shehu Buba Vanguard (SUV).

Addressing the crowd, the lawmaker said his decision followed extensive consultations and growing calls from across the state for him to join the race.

“After deep reflection, wide consultations and overwhelming calls from across our dear state, I stand before you today with humility and gratitude to Almighty Allah to formally declare my intention to contest for the office of Governor of Bauchi State in the 2027 elections,” he said.

Buba promised to make sacrifices necessary to move the state forward, insisting that Bauchi could perform better than it has under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)-led administration.

He criticised the PDP government, alleging that it failed to properly utilise the huge revenues and resources made available to the state under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, independent assessments of government finances and executed projects had raised serious questions about governance in the state.

“We are convinced that given every variable in place, particularly the huge revenue and resources made available to the government, the fact remains we can do better,” he stated.

The senator said his motivation to run was driven by the desire to reclaim Bauchi and usher in a new era of development, transparency, and good governance.

He highlighted what he described as people-oriented projects he had facilitated as senator, including roads, solar-powered boreholes, schools, and other interventions across Bauchi South and beyond.

He assured supporters that such developmental strides would be replicated across the entire state if elected governor in 2027.

“With the dividends of democracy being experienced in Bauchi South, which are evident to all, if given the chance under the APC, we shall replicate same in the entire Bauchi State,” he said.

Buba also called for a level playing field during the APC governorship primaries and urged party members to remain united ahead of the general election.

He further claimed to have sustained the party in the state through personal donations of money and vehicles to party officials and faithful since 2023.

The senator used the occasion to reaffirm his loyalty to the APC, declaring that the party remained the most reliable platform to rescue Bauchi State.

“The APC remains the most reliable political vehicle for this mission. We built this house together and we shall not abandon it to those who once mocked and blacklisted it, only to now return seeking refuge after exhausting their selfish ambitions elsewhere,” he said.

He also praised President Tinubu for what he described as strong national leadership that continues to inspire confidence in the party.

Buba becomes the second known aspirant to publicly declare interest in the 2027 governorship race in Bauchi State. Earlier, Bala Wunti, a retired civil servant, had announced his ambition.

Other prominent figures speculated to be interested in the race include Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; and former governor Mohammed Abubakar, among others.