By Umar Ibrahim Sade
Growing up in my ancient North-Eastern town of Sade, one of the most enduring lessons I learnt from my late father, the Sarkin Sade of blessed memory, was to trust my intuition and judge leaders by their actions rather than the noise surrounding them. Years ago, when some individuals sought to undermine the administration of Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, in Bauchi State, I refused to be swayed by false narratives. Time has vindicated that conviction. Today, as he emerges as the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election, the same steadiness, clarity of purpose and patriotism that defined his first tenure position him as a credible choice for Bauchi people seeking experienced leadership.
Bauchi politics, like life itself, teaches that reconciliation often follows disagreement. Our Holy Books and African wisdom remind us that united we stand and divided we fall. During his administration between 2015 and 2019, Governor Abubakar exemplified this principle. Even in the face of provocation from some estranged political actors whose actions were driven by personal ambition, he chose the path of restraint.
Rather than engaging in needless controversy, he remained focused on governance and service delivery. That spirit of tolerance and maturity is the kind of leadership Bauchi requires in 2027 a leader capable of uniting diverse interests, withstanding pressure and delivering tangible results.
The hallmark of M.A. Abubakar's leadership was resilience in the face of hardship and unwavering focus amid distractions. He once stated that having achieved much in life, he sought the governorship only to sacrifice his present for a better future for Bauchi State. That sacrifice was evident. He inherited an empty treasury, an unsustainable wage bill, widespread ghost workers and the effects of a national economic recession.
Yet, he refused to make excuses. Under his administration, Bauchi was removed from the list of states owing workers' salaries. Prompt salary payment became the norm, reflecting a government that prioritised the welfare of workers, teachers and farmers.
His prudent management of public resources also distinguished his administration. While many public officials maintained expensive official residences in Abuja, Governor Abubakar reportedly allowed the official Governor's Lodge to be occupied by members of his security team and convoy, while he commuted from his personal residence in Gwarinpa to his office in Asokoro. That decision saved public funds and underscored his belief that public office is about service rather than personal comfort. Bauchi once again needs such fiscal discipline to maximise scarce resources for development.
The impact of that disciplined leadership was visible across the state. Despite limited federal allocations, the administration executed infrastructure projects in both urban and rural communities. Roads, schools and healthcare facilities received attention because government spending was directed towards priority sectors rather than wasteful expenditure. Bauchi became a state steadily progressing through deliberate policy decisions rather than political slogans. That record provides a basis for renewed public confidence in his leadership.
Agriculture remained one of the administration's strongest priorities. Recognising that farming is the backbone of Bauchi's economy, Governor Abubakar launched the farming season in Misau shortly after assuming office. More than 10,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser were distributed to farmers at subsidised rates. Partnerships with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) provided improved seeds to about 2,000 internally displaced persons, while artisanal fishermen also received production support. During the 2016 farming season, another 20,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser were distributed across the state's 20 local government areas.
Bauchi also participated in the Central Bank of Nigeria's Anchor Borrowers' Programme, benefiting more than 100,000 rice and maize farmers by 2017. These interventions were aimed at strengthening food security and creating economic opportunities.
The administration equally pursued investment opportunities beyond Nigeria. It engaged agricultural commodity companies from China and Lebanon interested in sesame, soybeans and groundnuts, with a view to encouraging agro-processing and value addition within the state.
During a visit to the Czech Republic, Governor Abubakar identified affordable agricultural machinery, leading to the procurement of combined harvesters that were made available to farmers at subsidised rates. His government also initiated collaboration with Chinese agricultural research institutions to improve livestock production through modern pasture and fodder development. As a Commissioner of Information then,Governor M.A Abubakar sent me to Beijing China aiming to fastract the digital switch over of BATV and BRC Bauchi. These initiatives reflected a long-term vision for transforming Bauchi State digital broadcasting drive.
What distinguishes former Governor Abubakar, in my view, is his emphasis on issue-based politics rather than propaganda. Critics have sought to weaken his popularity through controversy, overlooking the political maturity of the people of Bauchi State. Rather than diminishing his standing, those efforts appear to have strengthened public interest in his leadership and contributed to growing political support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Leadership in a resource-constrained environment demands both compassion and courage. Although a significant proportion of Bauchi's revenue was devoted to salaries, pensions and gratuities, Governor Abubakar's administration still invested in roads, healthcare, education, agriculture and security. He understood that genuine development is measured not by speeches but by improving the lives of ordinary citizens through responsible governance and strategic investment.
Political tolerance also remained central to his leadership style. He governed without bitterness and extended a hand of reconciliation even to political opponents because he recognised that Bauchi's collective interest must always come before individual ambition. At a time when political competition is becoming increasingly intense, the state requires leadership capable of reducing tensions, building consensus and maintaining stability for sustainable growth and investment.
The lessons from the 2015–2019 administration are clear. Prudence conserves public resources. Focus delivers infrastructure. Tolerance strengthens unity. Agriculture creates prosperity. Integrity builds public trust. In my assessment, few candidates seeking the governorship in 2027 can point to a record that combines salary reforms, agricultural support, mechanisation and prudent financial management in the manner achieved during Governor Abubakar's tenure.
As Bauchi prepares for another electoral cycle, voters face a significant decision: whether to entrust the state's future to untested leadership or return to someone with a proven record of governance. Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, represents experience, discipline and a commitment to public service. His aspiration, in my view, is not driven by the pursuit of power alone but by a desire to continue the developmental agenda he began.
Bauchi deserves leadership that is steady, transparent and results-oriented. The record remains open to public scrutiny. The lessons are evident. In Governor M.A. Abubakar, I see a leader who transformed adversity into opportunity, remained focused despite political distractions and translated promises into measurable projects. For these reasons, I believe he remains well-positioned to lead Bauchi State into its next phase of growth and development.
Umar Ibrahim Sade
Former Commissioner of Information, Bauchi State (2015-2019).
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