Peculiarities Of Bauchi State Politics

Bauchi State has consistently demonstrated a voter preference against imposed candidates, a trend that has shaped its political landscape. In 2007, attempts to install Nadada Umar on the PDP ticket were thwarted by protest votes that led to the victory of Isa Yuguda of the defunct ANPP. Similarly, in 2015, Isa Yuguda's anointment of Auwal Jatau on the PDP mandate failed, with M.A. Abubakar of the APC winning through similar protest votes.

The 2019 general elections saw controversial APC direct primaries, which many political actors deemed a sham. This led to widespread protests and opposition against the party's candidate, ultimately contributing to the victory of PDP's Governor Bala Mohammed. In a turn of events in 2023, M.A. Abubakar of APC reportedly had his supporters back PDP's Bala Mohammed, seemingly in a bid to defeat retired Air Marshal Sadiq Baba Abubakar of APC.

As the 2027 general elections approach, the state's political parties have been holding primary elections. While most parties, except APM and APC, concluded their primaries cleanly, the emergence of candidates in APM and APC has been attributed to specific political maneuvers. Yakubu Adamu of APM is seen as Governor Bala Mohammed's creation, while Ali Pate allegedly played a key role in the emergence of M.A. Abubakar in APC.

With the ban on campaigning set to be lifted by INEC, all contestants will vie for the electorate's support. Former governor M.A. Abubakar will face a thorough vetting of his infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic, and social development records. His past relationship with civil servants, a significant demographic in Bauchi, will also be a crucial factor. Candidates like Yakubu Adamu (APM), Halliru Jika (ADC), and Shehu Buba (PRP) will need to campaign vigorously to prove their leadership experience and administrative acumen. Ahmed Shuaibu (NNPP) and Usman Sufi (PDP) will also need to build strong statewide fronts to become serious contenders in the race for the government house.