Bauchi: 18 Minority Groups in Tafawa Balewa, Dass, Bogoro Endorse Bala Mohammed for Senate Seat

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

No fewer than 18 ethnic nationalities and minority ethnic groups in Tafawa Balewa, Dass and Bogoro Local Government Areas of Bauchi State have pledged support for Governor Bala Mohammed’s senatorial ambition in the 2027 general elections.

The groups, under the Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationalities Community Development Associations (CONAECDA), said they had unanimously agreed to support Mohammed’s candidature for Bauchi South Senatorial District, irrespective of their members’ political affiliations.

The Chairman of CONAECDA, Bauchi State Chapter, Honourable Samuel J. Haruna, disclosed this during a meeting with representatives of the ethnic nationalities in Tafawa Balewa.

He added that the primary purpose of the gathering in Tafawa Balewa was to promote peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic nationalities and minority groups in the state, while also mobilising political support ahead of the 2027 elections.

Haruna said the groups had resolved to mobilise support for the governor across communities where the ethnic nationalities and minority groups reside.

“We all met and agreed that we will give our 100 per cent support to Governor Bala Mohammed as he vies for the Senate to represent Bauchi South Senatorial District,” Haruna stated.

“We believe he is only going to the National Assembly to rest for four years before running for president in 2031.”

Haruna maintained that they expressed no fear about the person who would succeed Governor Bala Mohammed, adding that it was their belief that his anointed successor, Dr Yakubu Adamu, would continue his good work.

“We know the governor will not bring a scorpion that will sting us as his successor,” Haruna stated.

“We were worried about what would become of us when he leaves office, but since he brought Dr Yakubu Adamu, we believe he will complete projects in some areas across the state that remain unfinished.”

The CONAECDA chairman said the groups had investigated the backgrounds and track records of political candidates and examined their achievements rather than allow themselves to be misled by political promises.

“We know that a person’s credibility should be based on what he has done. Even a blind person can recognise a leader who has performed well through the visible impact of his work,” he said.

“That is why we are counting the achievements of Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, particularly what he has done in Bogoro, Dass, Tafawa Balewa and other parts of the state.

“His achievements are numerous, and one could spend several days listing them.”

Haruna described Senator Mohammed as an experienced politician and administrator, saying that if the country’s Constitution allowed voters to elect a candidate as governor for life, indigenous and minority ethnic groups in the state would have done so to enable him to remain in office until his death.

“This is what the indigenous and minority ethnic groups in Toro, Tafawa Balewa, Bogoro and Dass have been saying,” he stated.

“Our campaign to support Bala Mohammed will take us to Kirfi, Ningi, Warji, Misau, Darazo and Alkaleri to highlight what he has done.”

“Previously, when we travelled to other states or visited Abuja, we saw infrastructure such as flyovers and other modern road projects. But today, we are beginning to witness similar developments in our own state. The flyover projects are evidence of the progress being made,” he said.

He also described the governor as a compassionate leader, recalling that he had financially supported CONAECDA when the association needed assistance.

According to him, Mohammed provided financial support for the group’s journey to Jos to attend a conference, including registration and other related expenses.

Haruna said the governor’s assistance demonstrated his understanding of the importance of the association and his connection with indigenous communities.