… says ‘we can do better’
From Khalid Idris Doya, Bauchi
Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South in the 10th Senate, has formally declared his intention to contest for the governorship of Bauchi State in the 2027 general elections.
The declaration was made on Saturday during an event held in Magama Town, Toro local government area of the state, he said his decision followed extensive consultations and growing calls from across Bauchi State.
“After deep reflection, wide consultations, and overwhelming calls from the people, I stand before you with humility and gratitude to Almighty Allah to formally declare my intention to contest for the office of Governor of Bauchi State in 2027,” he said.
He described the ambition as the beginning of a new journey toward a more prosperous, secure, and united Bauchi State, anchored on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This journey is about inclusive growth, equitable development, transparent governance, peaceful coexistence, youth empowerment, technology-driven education, and above all, the security and welfare of our people,” he added.
Buba reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, describing it as the most viable platform to achieve his vision, and noted that the party has grown stronger despite being in opposition in the state.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership at the national level, which he said continues to strengthen the APC across the country.
The senator said his decision to run was also informed by his assessment of the PDP-led administration in Bauchi State over the past seven years.
“Given the resources available to the current government, we believe we can do better. We have verifiable data and independent analyses that raise critical questions about projects and spending, and we are ready to ask those questions,” he stated.
He promised to unveil a comprehensive blueprint in the coming weeks, outlining his development agenda for the state.
Reflecting on his tenure in the Senate, Buba said he has delivered on his campaign promises through impactful lawmaking and constituency projects.
He listed several bills he sponsored, including Cybercrime Act Amendment that was assented to by the President in 2024, Federal Medical Centre Amendment Bill, Federal Orthopaedic Hospital Management Board Amendment Bill, ATBU Bauchi Establishment Amendment Bill and ATBU Conversion into a Conventional University Bill (currently under Senate consideration).
He also mentioned motions aimed at easing economic hardship and promoting development, including proposals for subsidy relief measures and the establishment of a Customs Training School in Bauchi.
On his projects and interventions, the senator highlighted several achievements, particularly in the education sector. These include the annual registration of over 500 students for WAEC, JAMB, and NECO examinations, as well as computer training for 200 students.
He also awarded scholarships to 1,241 students at Malikiya Health and Nursing Sciences valued at N870,140,000, alongside an annual bursary of N20,000 each to the beneficiaries, totalling N25,000,000. In addition, seven students were sponsored to study in India, while 300 students benefited from solar repair training worth N45,000,000.
Further support includes N30,000,000 for Bauchi Law School students, N20,000,000 to the College of Health Technology, Bununu, and N10,000,000 to the College of Arabic Studies, Alkaleri.
He also provided N65,000,000 for the SSANUP Secretariat at the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, and sponsored seminars and workshops for both Islamic and Western education.
On employment, he stated that he facilitated 97 federal appointments for indigenes of Bauchi State.
In support of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), he disclosed a monthly contribution of N40,000,000 to party working committees down to the ward level. He also donated 25 Sharon Galaxy vehicles to local government chairmen and officials, purchased party nomination forms worth N185,000,000, and donated 30 vehicles to party stakeholders.
On infrastructure, the senator listed the construction of a 2.5-kilometre road in Zaranda, Toro LGA, and the ongoing construction of 20 classrooms across Bauchi South. Other projects include the renovation of Gori Primary School in Tafawa Balewa, construction of Islamiyya schools in Yelwan Duguri and Bununu, and the establishment of an ICT centre in Kirfi equipped with computers, solar power, and Wi-Fi.
He further cited the provision of solar-powered boreholes and dam expansion projects in Kirfi and Alkaleri, as well as the installation of 2,000 solar streetlights across Bauchi South.
On welfare, he said that between 2023 and 2026, he distributed over 102 trucks of rice and more than 4,914 rams and cows as part of annual support programmes.
Buba also disclosed that he sponsored 213 individuals for Hajj between 2024 and 2026, and distributed N100,000,000 along with bags of rice as Christmas support between 2023 and 2025.
Additionally, he installed solar power systems in 12 worship centres and executed 220 solar-powered borehole and water projects across various communities.
Under his agricultural support programme, he said that in 2023, 200 farmers received five trucks of fertilisers and two trucks of herbicides. In 2024, 300 farmers benefited from seven trucks of fertilisers and three trucks of herbicides, while in 2025, 310 farmers were supported with improved seeds, eight trucks of fertilisers, and other agricultural inputs.
On healthcare, he noted that his interventions include the payment of medical bills totalling N565,000,000 for citizens across party, ethnic, and religious lines.
In his remarks, the Bauchi State Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Muhammad Hassan Tilde, assured party members that the APC would present a credible candidate who is close to the people and capable of reclaiming power from the PDP to drive development in the state.
Represented by the Vice Chairman I, Hon. Abdulmumini Muhammad Kundak, Tilde wished all aspirants success and pledged a fair and transparent process. He also called on party members to remain united in order to achieve victory in the 2027 elections.
Similarly, the Senator representing Bauchi North, Senator Sama’ila Kaila, expressed his support for the governorship ambition and wished the aspirant well. He expressed confidence that the APC would emerge victorious in 2027.
