Bauchi 2027: Coalition backs Senator Jika, urges Bala, traditional rulers for support

Segun Babatunde Awofadeji, Bauchi

A socio-political group, the Coalition of Concerned People of Bauchi State, has declared Senator Halliru Dauda Jika as the ‘best candidate’ for the 2027 Bauchi State governorship race, citing his proven leadership and grassroots connection.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition during a press conference on Saturday in Bauchi, leader of the group, Ahmed Yero said Senator Jika’s track record as a lawmaker and former member of the House of Representatives sets him apart from other contenders.

“Senator Jika embodies the leadership qualities, experience and vision that Bauchi State needs to move forward,” Yero asserted.

He emphasised that the coalition, made up of youth groups, civil society actors, and political stakeholders, conducted a broad-based assessment of potential candidates before unanimously endorsing the senator.

“His tenure as a senator demonstrated a commitment to development, accountability and effective representation.”

“With a deep sense of responsibility and accountability that we believe that at this time in the history and time of our dear state, and without prejudice to all other governorship aspirants, we thought that Senator Halliru Dauda Jika (Dokajin Bauchi) is observed to have necessary qualities to lead Bauchi state in 2027,” Yero Stated.

The coalition said it conducted research, seeking the opinions of the people, and their findings supported Jika’s qualification for the governorship.

Yero noted, “It is against the background that we went to the field to seek the people’s opinion, hence our findings returned positive, supporting his qualification to aspire for the governorship of our state, even though he contested in 2023, but this time Bauchi people want him as their next governor.”

The group is reaching out to stakeholders across party lines, as well as traditional and religious leaders, to garner support for Jika.

“It is on this premise, that we successively write to various stakeholders across party lines in the state, as well as our royal fathers and the custodian of our traditional institutions, and our religious leaders all over the state to seek their indulgence, support and prayer,” he said.

Yero further requested the support of Governor Mohammed, saying, “Finally, we wish to collectively request the support of the current governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed in this project.

“We assure him our loyalty and humility as he supports distinguished Senator Haliru Dauda Jika to manage the affairs of Bauchi State.” END