Governor Bala Mohammed, Wife Vote in Duguri, Says Bauchi LG Poll Peaceful

From Paul Orude Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, on Monday cast his vote alongside his wife and other family members at his polling unit in Duguri, Alkaleri Local Government Area, describing the local government election as peaceful and orderly.

The governor, who spent the night in Duguri ahead of the poll, said his presence in the community was intended to demonstrate his commitment and continued connection to his people.

Speaking with journalists shortly after voting, Mohammed expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise, saying there was no rancour at the polling area.

“With my dear wife and my other brothers from this locality, we have cast our votes, and the place is very peaceful. We can see the atmosphere of serenity this morning,” he said.

“There is no rancour, and it is orderly, and I expect everywhere to be the same.”

The governor also commended the security agencies, particularly the police, for maintaining order at the polling unit, noting the presence of the Commissioner of Police and other security personnel.

He equally praised the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) for its mobilisation and preparations for the election.

Mohammed said the election would be the last local government poll to be conducted under his administration, expressing satisfaction that democratic governance was becoming firmly established at the grassroots.

“Yes, I’m fulfilled because the culture of democracy, of democratic governance at the local government, has been entrenched,” he said.

He added that the growing quality of candidates participating in local government elections was encouraging, noting that many contestants now possess higher educational qualifications.

“Everybody is conscious, and I believe that what we are doing is improving the quality of human capital coming forward for election. We have people with PhDs, master’s degrees, first degrees and diplomas,” he said.

The governor attributed the renewed interest in local government elections partly to the financial autonomy being accorded councils, saying his administration had ensured that resources were made available to the local governments.

“Since we came, we have never interfered with any election cycle. We make sure that when it is due, we hold elections no matter what,” Mohammed said.

On the expected outcome, the governor expressed optimism that the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) would emerge victorious, describing the election as the party’s first major electoral test in Bauchi State.

“This is the first time the party we have brought on board is going for election. My expectation is victory for APM,” he said.

The local government election is being conducted across the state to elect chairmen and councillors for the various local government areas.