From Khalid Idris Doya, Bauchi
The Women Coalition for Sustainable Peace and Viable Democratic Gains in Bauchi State has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress, state party leaders, and other critical stakeholders to allow the democratic process in Bauchi State to genuinely reflect the will and aspirations of the people through the emergence of credible leadership and the selection of a female deputy governorship candidate.
National Coordinator of the coalition, Hajiya Addaji Muhammad, made the appeal in an open letter addressed to President Tinubu and the national and state leadership of the APC, copies of which were made available to journalists in Bauchi.
According to her, Bauchi State deserves leadership capable of restoring public confidence, strengthening peace, sustaining people-oriented governance, and creating meaningful opportunities for women and youths.
“As women advocating for inclusive governance and sustainable democratic participation, we strongly recommend the emergence of a competent and credible female deputy governorship candidate. This will further strengthen gender inclusion, increase women’s participation in governance, and promote broader democratic representation in Bauchi State,” she stated.
She added that peace, political stability, and long-term democratic success can only be sustained when citizens feel heard, respected, and genuinely represented.
“Our appeal is made in good faith and in the interest of peace, democratic continuity, and the collective future of our dear state,” she said.
The coalition noted that democracy thrives when the voices, aspirations, and genuine choices of the people are respected, stressing that sustainable political victories are better achieved through justice, inclusiveness, fairness, and popular acceptance rather than political imposition.
“Following extensive consultations, observations, and political viability studies conducted across various parts of Bauchi State, we have come to a sincere conclusion that the people of the state desire meaningful change, credible leadership, and a government that truly reflects their realities and aspirations,” the statement added.
The group expressed concern over what it described as inadequate democratic dividends in the state, particularly in recent years, noting that many citizens, especially women and youths, continue to face hardship amid rising expectations and limited opportunities.
It further lamented challenges such as unemployment, inadequate empowerment programmes, weak social support systems, and insufficient developmental impact across many communities.
According to the coalition, one political figure who consistently stood out during its consultations in terms of grassroots acceptance, accessibility, visible interventions, and public confidence was Distinguished Senator Shehu Buba Umar.
The group said many citizens acknowledged the senator’s efforts in youth empowerment, women support initiatives, responsiveness to community needs, and consistent engagement with the grassroots.
“We believe that the level of impact he has achieved as a senator compares favourably not only with current office holders but also with many past political actors across the state,” the coalition stated.
It maintained that, as a non-partisan coalition, its responsibility was not to promote political sentiment but to present realities observed from the grassroots.
“Based on the outcome of our political viability assessment, we strongly believe that Senator Shehu Buba Umar presently represents the most acceptable and promising option among the various aspirants across party lines for the future leadership direction of Bauchi State,” the statement said.
The coalition also prayed for Allah’s guidance for leaders at all levels toward wisdom, justice, and decisions that would promote unity, progress, and sustainable development in Bauchi State and Nigeria as a whole.
It further called for democratic fairness, responsible leadership, and respect for the will of the people in Bauchi State.
