Bauchi gov warns against rigging as APM presents candidates

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has declared his firm stance against electoral malpractice, vowing to resist any form of rigging in the upcoming 2027 general elections. His commitment was underscored as the Allied People’s Movement (APM) officially affirmed him as its senatorial candidate for the Bauchi South Senatorial District.

“

We are not going to underestimate our competitors. Even a child that is born today, if he is a candidate, I am going to deal with him like a grown-up person.

The affirmation ceremony, held at the Bauchi State Government House, also saw the party endorse other key candidates. The Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, was affirmed as the governorship candidate, while the Commissioner for Water Resources, Nuhu Zaki, secured the nomination for the Bauchi Central Senatorial District. The deputy governor, Auwal Jatau, was affirmed as the candidate for the Bauchi North Senatorial District.

Governor Mohammed articulated his political strategy, emphasizing a commitment to issue-based politics. "We are not going to underestimate our competitors. Even a child that is born today, if he is a candidate, I am going to deal with him like a grown-up person," he stated, signaling a determined approach to the electoral contest. He stressed that his political camp would neither encourage nor tolerate election rigging, asserting, "We will not urge anybody to rig for us, but we will not allow anybody to rig us. This is our policy."

“

We will not urge anybody to rig for us, but we will not allow anybody to rig us. This is our policy.

Mohammed urged the Federal Government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and security agencies to ensure transparency and neutrality throughout the electoral process. He expressed a willingness to accept outcomes based on fairness: "If we win, we will accept it. If we lose, we will accept it, especially where there is transparency, justice and equity. That is democracy."

“

If we win, we will accept it. If we lose, we will accept it, especially where there is transparency, justice and equity. That is democracy.

The governor explained that the APM platform was chosen due to political realities and internal disagreements within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He commended the APM's national leadership, describing it as a party deeply rooted in the interests of ordinary Nigerians, particularly those in rural areas. Mohammed also highlighted his strategic decision to contest for the Senate, aiming to provide leadership and ensure the continuity of his administration's development agenda in Bauchi State. He further praised security agencies for their contributions to improving security in the state and the country.

“

Our politics are going to be issue-based. We are not going to abuse anybody. We will remain humble in victory because we are vindicating ourselves before the people.