Group Urges APC Aspirants to Accept Pate as Consensus Candidate for 2027 Bauchi Governorship

By Ahmad Saka

The Coalition of Grassroot Network for Ali Pate has called on stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State to unite and adopt the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, as the party’s consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

Chairman of the group, Alhaji Adamu A. Ahmad, made the appeal while briefing reporters in Bauchi. He said the coalition had met with the minister and urged him to contest, stressing that the request reflected support from the grassroots in all 20 local government areas of the state.

“When we presented our request, the minister told us he is fully committed to his current national assignment but will be ready to serve Bauchi State if stakeholders align on that decision. He assured that any final declaration will be made in due course,” Adamu stated.

The chairman explained that the APC in Bauchi must present a united front if it hopes to unseat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2027, adding that Pate’s personality and achievements position him as the most acceptable candidate.

“Professor Pate is connected to the grassroots, understands the challenges of the state, and has the vision to address them. He is a charismatic and results-oriented leader who can unify the party and deliver development for Bauchi,” he said.

Adamu noted that the coalition is engaging stakeholders across the state to strengthen APC ahead of the elections. According to him, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda at the federal level while preparing for success in Bauchi will ensure broader political stability and progress.

“Bauchi is a progressive state, and we cannot afford divisions that will undermine its growth. Pate’s track record shows he is focused on building rather than dividing,” he added.

Professor Muhammad Ali Pate is a globally respected public health expert. He previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health, and as Global Director for Health, Nutrition and Population at the World Bank. In 2023, he was appointed CEO of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, before returning as Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare under President Tinubu.

The coalition chairman concluded that the group is encouraged by Pate’s willingness to serve Bauchi and is working to ensure unity and consensus within the APC ahead of the 2027 governorship race.