By Monday Danladi, Bauchi
BAUCHI — The Concerned Bauchi All Progressives Congress, APC, Youths Forum has called for transparency and accountability from all gubernatorial candidates in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 election.
The forum made the call through its Chairman, Prince Mohammed Sani Hassan, during a press briefing with journalists in Bauchi on Monday evening.
While reaffirming the group’s commitment to the unity, peace, progress, and sustainable development of Bauchi State, he urged political actors to approach the process with caution.
“Our attention has been drawn to recent public comments and media discussions concerning the business interests of the PRP governorship candidate, Sen. Shehu Umar Buba,” Hassan said.
“During the public discourse, an aide to the senator reportedly stated that he is involved in the mining business, while the former governor of Bauchi State and APC governorship candidate, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, raised questions regarding the source of the senator’s wealth and business activities.”
“As a forum committed to accountability and good governance, we believe that these are legitimate questions that deserve clear and transparent answers,” he said. “Anyone seeking the mandate of the people to govern Bauchi State should be open about their business interests and sources of wealth. Transparency builds public confidence and strengthens democracy.”
“If Sen. Shehu Umar Buba is involved in the mining sector, we encourage him to provide further clarification on the nature of his business interests, including the names of companies he is associated with, so that the people of Bauchi State can make informed decisions,” he added.
Hassan said the next governor of Bauchi State should be fully committed to security, peace, and development.
“While mining is a lawful economic activity when properly regulated, we are concerned about the security challenges associated with illegal mining in several parts of Nigeria,” he said. “States such as Zamfara have experienced serious insecurity linked to illegal mining activities and the operations of criminal elements around mining communities. Bauchi State must not be allowed to face similar challenges.”
“For this reason, we believe that the people of Bauchi State should carefully consider the background, priorities, and business interests of every governorship candidate,” he added.
“At a time when security remains one of the most important challenges facing our nation, Bauchi State deserves a governor whose primary focus is the protection of lives and property, economic growth, and the overall welfare of the people,” Hassan said. “We therefore urge voters to elect a leader who will give undivided attention to the peace, security, and development of the state.”
He also called on the people of Bauchi State to critically examine the integrity, competence, leadership records, and business interests of all governorship candidates before casting their votes.
“Every candidate should be held to the same standard of transparency and accountability,” he said.
Hassan concluded that the Concerned Bauchi APC Youths Forum remains committed to promoting issue-based politics, peaceful campaigns, and democratic values.
“We urge all political actors to conduct themselves responsibly and to place the interests of Bauchi State above personal ambitions,” he said.
