2027: Ex-Bauchi SSG Ibrahim Kashim Declares for Governor on SDP Platform, Unveils 10-Point Agenda

From David Omokuvie, Bauchi

Former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government (SSG), Barrister Ibrahim Kashim Mohammed, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Kashim made the announcement during an interaction with journalists in Bauchi on Sunday, saying he was motivated by the desire to reposition Bauchi State and drastically reduce poverty.

He unveiled a 10-point agenda, outlining plans to transform the state through agriculture, education, healthcare, and other critical sectors.

“We have developed a 10-point agenda which will guide our administration when we come on board. We will run a people-oriented government that will lift people out of poverty and make life easier for them,” he said.

The former SSG explained that after leaving the Bala Mohammed administration, he resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and formally informed the governor of his ambition to run for office.

He said his decision followed a careful assessment of the state’s challenges and untapped opportunities.

“We all know, for example, that Bauchi State has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in the country. It is also among states with the highest poverty index in the North-East. That is unfortunate because Bauchi is a blessed state,” he stated.

“We are the fifth largest state in terms of landmass in Nigeria. Even if we focus on agriculture alone, Bauchi has no reason to be poor.

“After studying our situation, I discovered we have little manufacturing activity and limited economic opportunities for our youths. I believe we have something meaningful to offer the people of Bauchi.”

On security, Kashim said it goes beyond the absence of violence.

“Security includes food security, healthcare security, protection of lives and property, and access to education,” he said.

He lamented the poor state of several government-owned industries, including the meat factory, fertilizer company, transport company and others.

According to him, efforts were made during his time in government to privatise some of the moribund enterprises, but the plans were halted by the approach of the 2023 elections.

“We completed financial bids from investors interested in the meat factory, fertilizer company, furniture company, hotels under PPP arrangements and others. These are some of the enormous potentials Bauchi possesses,” he said.

Kashim added that his vision is to make Bauchi a hub for private sector investment.

“There is a limit to what government can do. Government has no business being in business. Its role should be to create the right environment, provide policies and regulations, and allow the private sector to thrive,” he said.

He also highlighted his contributions while serving as SSG, insisting he played a key role in making Bauchi stand out among northern states.

Kashim expressed confidence in securing the SDP ticket and winning the governorship election.

“Bauchi people are politically mature. They cannot be intimidated, and they vote based on conviction, not party sentiment,” he said.

“Bauchi remains the only state where former governors are not automatically elected senators. That shows the people vote for individuals, not political parties.

“We are confident of getting the mandate of the people. We are building our structures across the state, and very soon, SDP will take over Bauchi.”