The governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has warned that his political camp will resist any attempt to rig the 2027 general elections, saying the contest must be conducted in an atmosphere of transparency, justice and fairness.
Mohammed was said to have spoken at the Bauchi State Government House during the affirmation of candidates of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) for key elective positions in the state.
The governor was reaffirmed as the APM senatorial candidate for Bauchi South Senatorial District, while the state Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu emerged as the party’s governorship candidate at the event.
The Commission also confirmed the candidature of the Commissioner for Water Resources, Nuhu Zaki as candidate for Bauchi Central Senatorial District, and Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau as candidate for Bauchi North Senatorial District.
Addressing party supporters after the exercise Mohammed said the 2027 elections should be based on issues, performance and the will of the people and not intimidation or electoral manipulation.
The governor said his camp would not underrate any opposition candidate, adding that the campaign would be on the focus of going back to the people with the achievements of his administration.
He called on the Federal Government, the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to be neutral and create a level playing field for all candidates and political parties.
“We will not ask anybody to rig for us, but we will not allow anybody to rig against us,” Mohammed said. If we win we will accept it and if we lose in a free and fair contest we will also accept it. That is democracy.
The governor explained that the decision to adopt the APM platform was borne out of the prevailing political realities and the unresolved differences within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
He described the APM as a grassroots party with strong acceptance among the people, especially rural dwellers.
His decision to run for the Senate, according to him, was strategic and meant to sustain the developmental agenda of his administration beyond his tenure as governor.
Mohammed also praised security agencies for their efforts in ensuring peace in Bauchi State and other parts of the country.
He commended the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian Army for what he described as their contributions to enhanced security.
Speaking after his affirmation, the APM governorship candidate, Yakubu Adamu, thanked party leaders and supporters for what he termed a transparent consensus process.
Adamu said that if elected as the governor in 2027, he would build on the achievement of the Mohammed administration.
He said his administration would prioritise economic growth, education, health care, rural development, youth empowerment and infrastructure.
The governorship aspirant also commended Mohammed for giving, what he called, purposeful leadership to the state over the years, saying the foundation already laid by the administration would be consolidated for the benefit of the people.
