By Khalid Idris Doya
The Youth Forward Initiative (YFI), Bauchi State Chapter, has declared its support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bauchi governorship candidate, Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar (SAN), ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abubakar served as governor of Bauchi State from 2015 to 2019 before losing his re-election bid to the incumbent governor, Bala A. Mohammed, in the 2019 governorship election.
Speaking during a press conference in Bauchi on Friday, the chairman of YFI in the state, Garba M. Musa, said the endorsement followed extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the leadership qualities, experience and capacity of those seeking to govern the state.
According to him, the decision reflects the aspirations of young people who desire competent, responsible and visionary leadership capable of addressing the state's developmental challenges.
"We have carefully observed the political landscape, consulted widely across our membership, engaged stakeholders and reviewed the records, capacities and leadership credentials of those aspiring to lead Bauchi State in the coming political dispensation," Musa said.
"After extensive deliberations, the Youth Forward Initiative (YFI), Bauchi State Chapter, hereby declares its support for the aspiration and candidature of Barrister Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, former Governor of Bauchi State."
Musa said the former governor possesses practical experience in governance, public administration, policy implementation and resource management, qualities he described as essential for effective leadership.
"At a time when Bauchi State requires tested leadership, we believe experience remains a valuable asset," he stated.
He noted that Abubakar's administration governed during one of Nigeria's most challenging economic periods, characterised by recession, declining federal allocations and rising inflation, yet maintained government operations and prudent management of public resources.
The group also commended the former governor's commitment to institutional governance and due process, saying his administration introduced reforms aimed at strengthening government institutions and reducing waste.
"Strong institutions are essential for sustainable development," Musa said.
He further stressed that young people are looking for leadership capable of creating employment opportunities, attracting investments, supporting entrepreneurship and expanding economic prospects for future generations.
"We believe his experience and network position him to engage development partners, investors and other stakeholders capable of supporting youth-focused programmes," he added.
The group maintained that Bauchi State needs leadership that can unite diverse interests and promote peaceful coexistence, expressing confidence that Abubakar possesses the maturity and experience required to provide stable leadership.
YFI, however, urged the former governor to sustain engagement with young people across the state and prioritise youth employment, entrepreneurship, education, skills acquisition, agricultural empowerment, digital innovation, inclusive governance and community development if elected.
Musa said the organisation would mobilise, educate and engage young people across the state to participate actively in the democratic process while continuing to advocate issue-based politics.
"We shall continue to support leadership that prioritises the welfare, development and prosperity of our people. We do so not out of sentiment, but based on our assessment of leadership experience, governance capacity and commitment to the development of Bauchi State," he said.
He called on youth organisations, community leaders, civil society groups and other stakeholders to join hands in building a better future for Bauchi State.
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