By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has expressed optimism that the Allied People’s Movement (APM) will perform well in the 2027 general elections considering its acceptability since it was introduced to the people of Bauchi State.
The Governor made the assertion on Monday while fielding questions from Journalists, shortly after casting his ballot at the Bakin Dutse polling unit in the State Local Council elections at his Yelwan Duguri polling unit.
He expressed confidence that,”It would appear that we will leave office in peace. By the grace of God, I hope to support the emergence of somebody from my party who will take over from us and continue the good work we are doing. That is why you saw that we conducted very good primaries, with many of the candidates emerging through consensus and without rancour. We do not want to open the floodgates to controversy or dissension.”
Speaking further, the Governor said that,”Well, thank you. I am here with my dear wife and my brothers from this locality. We have cast our votes, and the process has been very peaceful. There is an atmosphere of serenity this morning, and we appreciate God for the peace and spirit of love prevailing at this polling unit.”
According to him,”There is no rancour. Everything is orderly, and I expect the same atmosphere across the State. I have seen the Commissioner of Police here, alongside other security agencies. My elder sister, who is the Chairperson of BASIEC, is also here assessing the process and providing the necessary support to ensure a successful exercise.”
He added, “I came here with my wife and brothers, and we slept here to demonstrate a sense of camaraderie, commitment, and connection to the community. This has always been our tradition. We are grateful to God, and we wish whoever emerges victorious a very successful tenure. ”
The Governor charged,”They should govern with the fear of God. They must understand that the local government is where everything happens because the majority of our people live in the local government areas, not in the State capital. That is why we are making every effort to ensure good governance at the local level.”
Bala Mohammed pointed out that, “Since we came into office, we have never interfered with or avoided an election cycle. We have always ensured that elections are conducted as and when due, no matter the circumstances.”
While reacting to the fact that this will be the last local government election cycle his administration will conduct and if he is fulfilled, Bala Mohammed said, “Yes, I am fulfilled because the culture of democracy and democratic governance at the local government level has been entrenched. Everybody is now conscious of the importance of local democracy. I believe that what we are doing is also improving the quality of human capital coming forward for elections.”
According to him, “Today, we have people with PhDs, Master’s Degrees, University Degrees, and Diplomas participating in local government politics. You would not have found this level of confidence and interest in the past.”
“Because of what we have done to ensure local government autonomy, we are providing them with more resources and enabling more activities to take place within the local councils. Consequently, people are becoming more interested, and that is the beauty of democracy,” he added.
The Governor further said,”I must also confess that we are generating more revenue during this period of governance, and we are ensuring that the revenue trickles down to the local Councils to enable them function and meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.”
He said, “My last word is gratitude to God and to the people of Bauchi State for giving us the opportunity to lead. I am very proud of the support we are receiving from the people and of the appreciation they have shown us. Since yesterday, people have been coming to express their gratitude, and in return, we are also expressing our gratitude to them.”
Bala Mohammed added,”So, we remain grateful to the people of Bauchi State for giving us the opportunity to serve.”
The Governor said that, “My expectation is victory for APM, the new party. This election is a testing ground because it is the first time the party we have brought on board is participating in an election.”
Reacting to the boycott of the election by some political parties, the Governor said, “I can see that some people have become discouraged. They have even withdrawn from the election because they know they may lose. They are disconnected from the people, and they have not campaigned. You have been following our campaign trails, so you know the level of engagement we have had with the people.”
According to him,”If they had listened to my advice, they would have gone ahead to test their popularity. To all the parties participating in this election, I congratulate you. I believe other parties will also win elections. Our responsibility is to provide a level playing field and allow everyone to participate.”
The Governor concluded,”I am therefore highly grateful that this election has taken place and that several parties have participated. We are ready to give and let live, while ensuring that our people are allowed to exercise their universal suffrage.”
Meanwhile, the Governor thumped up the Federal Government, particularly, Nigeria’s President, Sen Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for allowing people of Osun State to speak with their votes to elect the person of their choice among the candidates including that of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last weekend gubernatorial election.
Bala Mohammed stressed that the era of election results manipulation is gone, everyone who is a serious politician must work for his or her electoral victory.
According to him, “You cannot sit at home and assume that the Federal Government will give you the advantage to win an election.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is demonstrating that he is a democrat. You have seen what happened in Osun State, where the people voted and their votes counted. People should therefore understand that nobody is coming to install them. This is not a monarchy; this is democratic governance.”
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