As political maneuvering intensifies ahead of the next general elections, a prominent women’s advocacy group has sent an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), demanding a fair democratic process and the inclusion of a female deputy governorship candidate in Bauchi State.
The group, operating under the aegis of the Women Coalition for Sustainable Peace and Viable Democratic Gains in Bauchi State, argued that gender inclusion at the highest level of state governance is critical to restoring public confidence and driving human capital development.
Speaking to journalists in Bauchi, the National Coordinator of the coalition, Hajiya Addaji Muhammad, disclosed that copies of the open letter had been delivered to President Tinubu, the APC national working committee, and state-level party executives.
Hajiya Muhammad explained that the coalition's intervention was borne out of a deep concern for the political and socio-economic trajectory of Bauchi State.
"Bauchi State deserves an opportunity to experience leadership capable of restoring public confidence, strengthening peace, promoting continuity of people-oriented governance, and creating meaningful opportunities for women and youths," Muhammad stated.
She emphasised that true political stability can only be guaranteed when the electorate feels heard and structurally represented.
"As women advocating for inclusive governance and sustainable democratic participation, we strongly recommend and advocate for the emergence of a competent and credible female deputy governorship candidate. This will further strengthen gender inclusion, women's participation in governance, and broader democratic representation in Bauchi State," she added.
Grassroots Hardship and the Rejection of 'Imposition'
The coalition warned political stakeholders against high-handed political strategies, insisting that trying to impose candidates against the popular will of the people would backfire.
According to Muhammad, sustainable political victories are achieved through justice, fairness, and popular acceptance rather than political imposition.
Reviewing the current socio-economic landscape in the state, the group raised an alarm over what it termed a "significant inadequacy" in the delivery of democratic dividends over recent years.
"The suffering of ordinary citizens, especially women and youths, continues to increase amid rising expectations and limited opportunities," the coalition noted, pointing to systemic challenges such as unemployment, weak social support structures, and a lack of grassroots empowerment programs.
Following what it described as extensive consultations and political viability studies across the state's three senatorial districts, the coalition threw its weight behind the lawmaker representing Bauchi South, Distinguished Senator Shehu Buba Umar, as the most viable figure to lead the state forward.
The group maintained that its assessment was strictly objective, pointing to Senator Umar's accessible leadership style and track record of direct community interventions. "As a non-partisan coalition, our responsibility is not to promote political sentiment but to present realities as observed from the grassroots," Hajiya Muhammad explained.
"In the course of our findings, one political figure consistently stood out in terms of grassroots acceptance, visible interventions, accessibility, and public confidence distinguished Senator Shehu Buba Umar. Across communities, many citizens acknowledged his efforts in supporting youths, empowering women, responding to community needs, and maintaining close engagement with the people."
The coalition asserted that Senator Umar’s legislative and welfare impacts compare favorably against both past and present political office holders in the state, making him the most acceptable option across party lines for Bauchi's future leadership direction.
The group concluded its petition with prayers for national and state leaders, urging them to prioritize wisdom, justice, and inclusivity to foster peace and development in Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.
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