By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship contest in Bauchi State appears to have narrowed into a clear four-man race ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the failure of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, to resign from office in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive.
Muhammad Ali Pate, whose name had been widely mentioned in political circles as a possible contender, had appeared to keep his cards. Perhaps too close to his chest while support groups continued to urge him to join the race. However, his failure to step down as minister by the March 31, 2026, deadline appears to have cost him the opportunity to pursue the APC ticket.
President Tinubu had directed all political appointees in his administration, including Ministers and aides seeking elective positions in 2027, to resign on or before March 31, 2026. The directive was intended to ensure compliance with electoral requirements and create a level playing field for aspirants.
Amb Yusuf Maitama Tuggar
While former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, resigned on March 30, 2026, in obedience to the presidential directive, Ali Pate remained in office as Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
For many party watchers in Bauchi State, the development has ended the uncertainty surrounding Ali Pate’s rumoured ambition and effectively removed him from the APC governorship equation. It has also revived questions in some political circles about whether his international associations, including public perceptions linked to Bill Gates and the wider Epstein controversies, may have affected his standing with President Tinubu, questions the Minister has yet to publicly address.
With that, the race now appears firmly in the hands of four contenders: Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Services, Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti; the Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Senator Shehu Buba; and former Bauchi State Governor, Barr. Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN.
The APC has fixed Thursday, May 21, for its governorship primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.
Yusuf Maitama Tuggar formally declared his intention to contest last Saturday at the Games Village in Bauchi metropolis, where he sought to focus on substance and rise above what many see as the bitterness and distractions that have long tarnished Bauchi politics.
Speaking passionately about the Bauchi he believes most citizens want to see, Maitama Tuggar said that the State must finally take its rightful place as a Northern powerhouse in agriculture, solid minerals and investment.
He also said that he was tired of hearing that Bauchi had “Potential,” insisting that, if elected, his administration would be judged by results rather than promises.
Maitama Tuggar also drew attention to his background in business, saying he understands the needs and expectations of entrepreneurs, investors and working people, whether men or women. His message appeared directed not only at Bauchi citizens but also at the wider global investment community looking for opportunities in rare earth minerals, lithium and other solid mineral resources.
Maitama Tuggar further sought to connect his message to ordinary farmers, recalling that as a child he tended animals in his grandmother’s village and understood, from personal experience, the challenges faced by rural communities. He said Bauchi’s agricultural promise could only be realised through practical support for farmers, improved productivity and better access to markets.
He also presented himself as a politician of conviction, saying he was not a political “flip-flopper” and had remained consistent in his political principles and firmly rooted in the APC.
Linking his vision to President Tinubu’s broader economic agenda, Yusuf Tuggar said that Bauchi must align with the national push for growth, productivity and renewal.
“I am stepping forward not for power, but for service; not for privilege, but for progress,” Tuggar said.
He promised to address the state’s socio-economic challenges through purposeful, service-driven leadership, with priority given to workers’ welfare, security, education, healthcare and youth empowerment.
Maitama Tuggar pledged to ensure prompt payment of salaries, strengthen security through intelligence-led operations and community policing, and tackle the root causes of insecurity, including unemployment, drug abuse and poverty.
On education, he promised to reduce the number of out-of-school children, expand vocational and technical training, promote digital innovation and create opportunities for young people.
“Every child must be in school. Every youth must have a skill. Every graduate must have an opportunity,” he said.
Maitama Tuggar also promised to improve access to affordable healthcare, especially for women and children, while strengthening social protection programmes for vulnerable groups.
He said his administration would uphold transparency, accountability and the rule of law, while working closely with traditional and religious leaders to promote unity and social cohesion across Bauchi State.
The Ex-Minister served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany from 2017 to 2023 and was a member of the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011, representing Gamawa Federal Constituency. He has previously contested the Bauchi governorship seat twice.
Shehu Buba Umar made his own declaration in his homestead in Magaman-Gumau, Toro LGA, with thousands of his supporters, followers, friends and wellwishets from across the State in attendance.
In his declaration address, titked:
“Towards the Bauchi of our Dream: Accepting the Burden of a New and Better Era”, the Senator described the declaration as the start of a historic journey towards a more prosperous, secure, and united Bauchi State.
According to him, “It is a journey anchored on the solid and dependable platform of the All Progressives Congress, a party we have collectively built, defended, and strengthened over the years.”
Outlining his agenda, the Senator assured that his campaign will focus on inclusive growth, equitable development, transparent governance, peaceful coexistence, youths empowerment, technology-driven education, and the security and welfare of residents.
He insisted that the APC remains the most reliable political vehicle for his mission, pointing out that, “We built this house together, and we shall not abandon it to those who once mocked, derided, and blacklisted it, only to now return seeking refuge after exhausting their selfish ambitions elsewhere.”
He argued that the APC in Bauchi has grown stronger in opposition and is now more united and more formidable than the ruling party.
He thanked the party for the opportunity to serve in the Senate, adding: “With your support, I am confident that if entrusted with a higher responsibility in 2027, we shall deliver unprecedented dividends of democracy to every household in Bauchi State.”
The senator also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strong leadership at the national level, which he noted, continues to inspire confidence in our party across the country.
He congratulated APC executives at the ward, local government, zonal, and national levels on their mandates, describing them as pillars of support, consultation, and hope.
Senator Umar urged them to let their tenure be guided by the fear of God, justice, and service to our nation.
He stated, “Today marks the beginning of a historic journey toward a more prosperous, secure, and united Bauchi State. It is a journey anchored on the solid and dependable platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party we have collectively built, defended, and strengthened over the years.”
According to him,”This journey is about inclusive growth, equitable development, transparent governance, peaceful coexistence, youths empowerment. technology-driven education, and, above all, the security and welfare of our people.”
He stressed that, “The APC remains the most reliable political vehicle for this mission. We built this house together, and we shall not abandon it to those whe once mocked, derided, and blacklisted it, only to now return seeking refuge after exhausting their selfish ambitions elsewhere. The APC in Bauchi State has not only survived in opposition; it has grown stronger, more united, and more formidable than the ruling party.”
He assured that,”For this, I remain deeply grateful to our party for the opportunity to serve in the Senate. And with your support, I am confident that if entrusted with a higher responsibility in 2027, we shall deliver unprecedented dividends of democracy to every household in Bauchi State.”
“I must also express profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for providing strong leadership at the national level, which continues to inspire confidence in our party across the country. To our party executives at the ward, local government, zonal, and national levels, congratulations on your new mandates. You remain pillars of support, consultation, and hope. May your tenure be guided by the fear of God, justice, and service to our nation,” he stated.
Reflecting on his current journey, he stated that,”In 2022, I stood before the good people of Bauchi South seeking their mandate to represent them in the Senate. I made promises-clear, measurable, and sincere. By the grace of Allah, and with your unwavering support, we have fulfilled and even surpassed those promises.”
The Senator added,”To all our people across Bauchi South, I say: Muna godiya kwarai. Muna tare da ku, kuma za mu ci gaba da
hidima da gaskiya da rikon amana.”
While justifying the Senatorial mandate, he declared that, “The core responsibility of a Senator is lawmaking. Alhamdulillah, we have been active, productive, and impactful. We have sponsored critical bills with direct benefits to Bauchi State and Nigeria.”
The bills, according to him, included: Cybercrime Act Amendment that was assented to by the President in 2024; Federal Medical Centre Amendment Bill;
Federal Orthopaedic Hospital Management Board Amendment
Bill; ATBU Bauchi Establishment Amendment Bill and ATBU Conversion into a Conventional University Bill (currently under Senate consideration).
He however lamented that, “Despite overwhelming public support, a few elites motivated by personal interests have opposed the ATBU conversion bill. But Bauchi belongs to all of us, and we shall continue to pursue what is best for our people.”
According to him, “We have also sponsored motions aimed at easing the suffering of ordinary citizens, including motions on subsidy cushioning measures and the establishment of a Customs Training School in Bauchi.”
On projects and interventions across Bauchi South Senatorial District, he stated that,”Our achievements are numerous in the various sectors of development including Education support with registration of over 500 students annually for WAEC, JAMB and NECO, Computer training for 200 students, Scholarship for 1,241 students at Malikiya Health and Nursing
Sciences worth N870,140,000.
He added that, there is Annual bursary of N20,000 each to the 1,241 beneficiaries amounting to the sum of N25,000,000, sponsorship of 7 students to India worth $N25,000,000, Solar repair training for 300 students worth N25,000,000, N30,000,000 support to Bauchi Law School students, N20,000,000 support to College of Health Technology Bununu and N10m for College of Arabic Studies Alkaleri N65,000,000 for SSANUP Secretariat at Federal Polytechnic.
It also included Bauchi Sponsorship of seminars and workshops for Islamic and Western education while in the area of employment, he secured 97 federal appointments for Bauchi indigenes.
On support to APC, he disclosed that N40,000,000 monthly to APC Working committees up to Wards, donation of 25 Sharon Galaxy vehicles to LGA chairmen and officials purchase of party forms worth N185,000,000 and donation of 30 vehicles to party stakeholders.
Speaking on infrastructure, he pointed out that 2.5km road was constructed in Zaranda, Toro LGA, ongoing construction of 20 classrooms across Bauchi South, renovation of Gori Primary School, Tafawa Balewa, construction of Islamiyya schools in Yelwan Duguri and Bununu, ICT Centre in Kirfi with computers, solar panels, and WiFi Solar-powered boreholes and dam expansions in Kirfi and Alkaleri, installation of 2,000 solar streetlights across Bauchi South.
On welfare support, Shehu Buba Umar stated that there is annual distribution of rice: 2023: 26 trucks (600 Bags per truck) 2024: 25 trucks, 2025: 23 trucks, 2026: 28 trucks, Rams and cows distribution: 2023: 1,200 rams, 200 cows, 2024: 1,300 rams, 207 cows, 2025: 1,650 rams, 357 cows while for Hajj sponsorship: 2024: 47 persons, 2025: 52 persons, 2026: 114 persons and
Christmas gifts: 2023: ₩20,000,000 and Bags of Rice 2024: N40,000,000and Bags of Rice, 2025: N40,000,000 and Bags of Rice
On solar installations, he disclosed that 12 Solar Installations at Worship Centre’s, 220 Solar Bore holes and Water Project in various communities while for agriculture support programme, in 2023: Supported 200 farmers with 5 trucks of fertilisers and 2 trucks of herbicides. 2024: Supported 300 farmers with 7 trucks of fertilisers and 3 trucks of herbicides.2025: Supported 310 farmers with improved seeds, as well as 8 trucks of fertilisers and chemicals.
On healthcare, Medical bills support totalling N565,000,000 for citizens across party, ethnic, and religious lines
While making his declaration, he stated that, “I will run for Governor of Bauchi State after deep reflection, wide consultations, and overwhelming calls from across our dear state, I stand before you today with humility and gratitude to Allah (S.W.A) to formally declare my intention to contest for the office of Governor of Bauchi State in the 2027 elections.”
He appealed,”I seek your support, your prayers, and your partnership. Together, we shall build the Bauchi of our dreams.
After a long time of silence over his gubernatorial ambitions, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 gubernatorial election in Bauchi State.
Bala Maijama’a Wunti who is a renowned philanthropist, and respected public figure, has been silent about the interest until now, coming after what he described as sustained appeals and mounting pressure from citizens, political stakeholders, and supporters across the state.
Bala Wunti made this known during a landmark courtesy visit to the APC leadership in Bauchi Local Government Area — marking his first official engagement with the party at both local and state levels since aligning more visibly with its structure.
Addressing party officials and supporters at the local government secretariat, Bala Wunti emphasized that his ambition is driven not by personal desire but by a sense of responsibility to the people.
Bala Maijama’a Wunti declaring his interest
“Allah knows, I only accepted to contest because of the pressure mounted on me to help rescue the future of our unemployed youth and safeguard the next generation,” he stated.
He reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the APC and outlined his vision for an inclusive, transparent, and development-focused administration.
According to him, his leadership would prioritize equal opportunities, youth empowerment, and sustainable economic growth across all sectors of the state.
Bala Wunti also used the opportunity to congratulate the newly inaugurated APC leadership in Bauchi Local Government, expressing optimism about their ability to strengthen grassroots mobilization and position the party for victory in the upcoming elections.
Earlier in the proceedings, the Coordinator of the Bala Wunti Movement, Rt. Hon. Yahaya Mohammed Miya, formally introduced Bala Wunti to party stakeholders.
He noted that the visit was designed to deepen engagement, foster unity, and align the aspirant with key figures within the party’s structure.
In his remarks, the APC Chairman of Bauchi Local Government, Alhaji Biyali, described Bala Wunti as an accomplished son of the soil whose longstanding contributions to human capital development, mentorship, and community advancement have left a lasting impact.
“Dr. Bala Wunti’s record speaks for itself. His mentorship has produced individuals who today are capable of holding the highest offices in the land, including that of governor,” he said.
He further assured all aspirants of a fair and transparent process, noting that Dr. Wunti’s track record remains a valuable asset as the party prepares strategically for 2027.
At the APC state secretariat in Bauchi, Bala Wunti expanded on his political philosophy, revealing that he deliberately stayed away from internal party leadership selection processes to demonstrate his commitment to unity and respect for democratic outcomes.
“I am prepared to work with whoever emerges as leader at all levels. Under my leadership, there will be equity and equal opportunities for all who are willing to contribute to the progress of our state,” he affirmed.
Highlighting key socio-economic concerns, Bala Wunti questioned the persistent marginalization of youths and women — groups he described as central to electoral success yet disproportionately affected by unemployment and limited opportunities.
He pledged that his administration would aggressively tackle job creation, empower women, and implement sustainable development policies designed to secure both present and future generations.
Responding on behalf of the state leadership of the APC, the State Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Hassan Tilde, welcomed Bala Wunti into the party’s fold and commended his demonstration of loyalty and respect for party structures.
He stressed that the APC is in need of credible and capable aspirants at all levels who can unify the party and lead it to electoral success in 2027.
Bala Wunti’s declaration is widely expected to invigorate the political landscape in Bauchi State, signaling the early onset of what promises to be a highly competitive and issue-driven electoral cycle.
The former Governor, Barr Mohammed Abdullahi, SAN, though was yet to make public declaration of his intention to aspire, his colleagues, friends, political associates and others have being fronting for him, assuring that he will give it another shot.
With Muhammadu Pate having lost his window after missing the resignation deadline, the Bauchi APC governorship race is set to revolve around Tuggar, Wunti, Buba and Abubakar as the party moves toward its May 21 primary.
Sen Shehu Buba Umar
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