Abubakar Secures APC Guber Form, Promises To Unlock Bauchi’s Full Potential

Ex-Governor of Bauchi State Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar SAN, popularly known as MA Abubakar, has expressed strong optimism about the economic future of the state, declaring that Bauchi possesses all it needs to thrive, as he secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial nomination form ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking in Abuja during the presentation of the form by the MA Abubakar Strategic Committee, he said his renewed ambition is anchored on unlocking the state’s vast human and natural potential for sustainable development.

“Bauchi State is blessed with abundant human and natural resources,” Abubakar stated, setting the tone for what he described as a forward-looking agenda. “Together, we will harness these endowments to create jobs, boost agriculture and economic activities, strengthen infrastructure, and expand access to quality education and healthcare.”

According to him, the state’s fertile land, mineral deposits, tourism potential, and resilient population provide a solid foundation for rapid transformation if properly managed.

Reflecting on his previous tenure, Abubakar said his administration had already laid a credible foundation for growth.

“These achievements were recorded under very difficult economic conditions, yet they demonstrate what focused, transparent, and people-oriented leadership can deliver,” he noted, pointing to investments in roads, water supply, education, and public sector reforms during his time in office.

He added that his experience has better prepared him to deepen development efforts and deliver more inclusive outcomes.

Reassuring the people, he said, “I assure the good people of Bauchi State that I will not disappoint you,” while describing his ambition as “a collective aspiration” driven by growing support across the state.

He emphasized that his goal is not just governance, but transformation—one that will position Bauchi as a model state for others in Nigeria.

Read full speech below:
Alhamdulillah! All praises and thanks are due to Almighty Allah (SWT) for His infinite mercy, guidance, and protection over us all. It is only by His will that we gather here today. May He continue to guide our steps and the destiny of Bauchi State. Ameen.
I stand before you with profound humility and deep gratitude.
I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing a level playing field for all aspirants within our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Your visionary leadership has strengthened the APC as a viable, inclusive, and democratic platform where every qualified member can aspire to serve our people. I equally acknowledge and appreciate the support of the party’s leadership at both the national and state levels for their continued guidance and encouragement.
Today, I formally affirm my willingness and readiness to contest for the governorship of Bauchi State in the 2027 general elections. Having served as Governor from 2015 to 2019, I gained an intimate understanding of our state’s unique challenges and immense opportunities. That experience has further prepared and equipped me to serve with greater focus, efficiency, and impact if given the mandate once again.
During my first tenure, we inherited a state burdened with heavy debts, salary arrears, and systemic challenges. Yet, by the grace of God and through prudent management, we achieved verifiable progress across critical sectors:

• Progressive Governance: We cleared inherited salary backlogs, stabilized salary payments despite national recession, sanitized the state payroll by removing ghost workers, recovered looted state assets (vehicles, generators, properties), and established the Public Property and Funds Recovery Tribunal to institutionalize the fight against corruption. We pruned government ministries and directorates for efficiency and restored running costs to MDAs.
• Infrastructure: We awarded contracts for over 175 km of road projects worth more than N20.4 billion, including dualization and rehabilitation of key roads in Bauchi metropolis (such as Awalah Roundabout to Kano Road), Misau, Azare, Toro, Darazo, Jama’are, and other LGAs. We made significant investments in electricity (rural electrification projects, transformers) and water supply (major contracts worth over N6.5 billion for Gubi Dam rehabilitation, new reservoirs, pumping mains, and hundreds of boreholes, increasing access to safe water for hundreds of thousands of residents).
• Human Capital Development (Education and Health): We allocated substantial portions of the state budget to education (approaching the UN benchmark), renovated and constructed hundreds of classrooms across primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools, trained thousands of teachers, supplied furniture, and upgraded key institutions including Government Girls Secondary School Soro, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, and others. We supported scholarships, including overseas programs in agriculture, and invested in girl-child education and support for orphans and vulnerable children.
• Other Areas: We worked closely with the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari to bring federal presence to the state, invested in agriculture, health, women and youth empowerment, and maintained relative peace and security despite regional challenges. By the end of our tenure in May 2019, we left substantial funds in the state accounts — N11.8 billion, N4.5 billion, N5.7 billion, and $60 million (World Bank RAMA loan after counterpart payments) — after clearing May 2019 salaries and pensions. This was a deliberate act of leaving a strong foundation for continuity.
  We are not where we want to be, but we are certainly far from where we used to be. These achievements were recorded under very difficult economic conditions, yet they demonstrate what focused, transparent, and people-oriented leadership can deliver.
  If re-elected by the grace of God, I pledge to build firmly on these foundations and deliver even more improved, inclusive, and transformative governance. Bauchi State is blessed with abundant human and natural resources — fertile land, minerals, tourism potential (Yankari and beyond), and a resilient, hardworking population. Together, we will harness these endowments to create jobs, boost agriculture and economic activities, strengthen infrastructure, expand access to quality education and healthcare, empower women and youth, and position Bauchi as a model state for others in Nigeria.
  I assure the good people of Bauchi State that I will not disappoint you. This ambition is not personal — it is a collective aspiration, driven by the widespread calls and support I have received from across the state and beyond since the political season began. It is a call to consolidate the gains of the past, correct remaining gaps, and accelerate development for the benefit of all — from the grassroots to the urban centers, across all ethnic and religious lines.
  In conclusion, I thank our party leaders, supporters, and all well-wishers. Above all, I thank Almighty Allah for the opportunity to serve and for guiding this journey so far.
  May Allah (SWT) bless Bauchi State, bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and grant us success in our collective quest to build a better, more prosperous Bauchi for all.
  Thank you. God bless you all.