From Idris Khalid, Bauchi
The leadership and members of more than 2,600 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) across Bauchi State, in collaboration with the Women Coalition for Sustainable Peace and Viable Democratic Gains and the Baheejah Mahmood Support Association (BAMASA), have endorsed Hajiya Baheejah Mahmood Abdullahi (Mai Dankwali) as the preferred deputy governorship candidate to run alongside Senator Shehu Buba Umar on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).
The endorsement was contained in a statement signed by the coalition’s coordinator, Hajiya Halima Nuhu Mohammed, and made available to journalists in Bauchi.
Halima said the decision followed a meeting of the coalition, during which members unanimously agreed that Baheejah Mahmood possesses the experience, leadership qualities and grassroots support required to serve as deputy governor.
According to her, the coalition believes the PRP represents the ideals and principles that both Senator Shehu Buba Umar and Hajiya Baheejah Mahmood Abdullahi have consistently championed throughout their years of public service.
She noted that the party’s philosophy is rooted in justice, equity, accountability, inclusion, good governance and sustainable development, values she said align with the duo’s long-standing commitment to grassroots empowerment, humanitarian service, social welfare and community development.
The coalition expressed confidence that a Senator Shehu Buba Umar/Hajiya Baheejah Mahmood Abdullahi ticket would provide purposeful, people-centred leadership capable of promoting peace, prosperity and inclusive development across Bauchi State.
Explaining the rationale behind the endorsement, Halima said Baheejah Mahmood has devoted many years to humanitarian service, women and youth empowerment, peacebuilding, advocacy and support for orphans and vulnerable persons across the state’s 20 local government areas.
She described the endorsement as recognition of a lifetime of service rather than a mere political declaration.
“Our endorsement is based on her dedication, selfless sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the people of Bauchi State. She has consistently championed the welfare of women, children, youths, orphans and vulnerable groups through numerous humanitarian and development initiatives,” the statement said.
The coalition pledged to mobilise its members, their families and supporters to participate peacefully and democratically in support of the aspiration.
It also called on community-based organisations, civil society organisations, professional bodies, faith-based organisations, women and youth groups, as well as local and international NGOs, to support what it described as a movement for inclusive leadership and grassroots development.
According to the coalition, its vision is to ensure that women, youths, children and vulnerable communities are adequately represented at the highest levels of governance in Bauchi State.
Halima further described Baheejah Mahmood as a seasoned grassroots politician, women mobiliser and experienced public servant whose passion for women and children’s welfare has earned her widespread support across the state.
She said Baheejah played a key role in the establishment of the Bauchi State Orphans and Vulnerable Children Agency during the administration of former Governor Isa Yuguda.
The coalition also claimed that consultations with stakeholders within the PRP indicated broad support for Baheejah’s emergence as the party’s deputy governorship candidate, arguing that her selection would promote gender balance, strengthen the party’s political structure and enhance development in the state.
According to the statement, Baheejah’s experience in governance, strong grassroots connection and understanding of the needs of communities across Bauchi State would significantly strengthen the party’s campaign and contribute to effective governance if elected.
The supporters maintained that her emergence as deputy governor would complement Senator Shehu Buba Umar’s leadership by providing administrative support, experience and credibility, expressing confidence that the partnership would deliver responsive and inclusive governance for the people of Bauchi State.
