Bauchi State

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Aisha Musa, over an alleged attempt to poison her husband at Gwamma Village in Bauchi Local Government Area.

The police said the suspect had been married for about 40 days when she allegedly put a poisonous substance in her husband’s food on August 12, 2026.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Nafiu Habib, said the command received a distress call from an unidentified woman in the Wunti Dada area of Bauchi at about 7:40 p.m.

According to Habib, officers attached to the ‘C’ Division, Tafawa Balewa Estate, were dispatched to the location after the report.

The victim was taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi for medical attention. He was said to be in stable condition at the time of the report.

Police said Musa was arrested soon after the alleged incident. Habib added that the suspect allegedly admitted involvement during questioning.

Investigators also recovered an empty bottle suspected to have contained the poisonous substance and portions of the meal. The items were taken as exhibits as part of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

“The suspect will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation,” the police spokesman stated.

The command reiterated its appeal to members of the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities to the police or the nearest security formation.

By Sulaiman Maijama’a

He served a single tenure and was chased out of the corridors of power, and later had the fortune of being smuggled by a cabal after waiting for a good 8 years. When he was announced as the flagbearer of their party, he doubted himself, woke up in the middle of the night and sat on a sofa, talking to himself. Let us peer into his mind and bring out what he is saying to the world.

What is the motive behind bringing me back? When I served my first tenure as a governor, these people ganged up against my reelection and chased me away and ever since I left, I distanced myself from anything to do with the state. I jettisoned party affairs, didn’t honour wedding invitations, didn’t pay homage or send goodwill messages during festivities,  refused to ever pay condolences, refused to make donations for public and private projects. I created both social and physical distancing by relocating to Abuja and abandoning all my people in Bakesu State. Why would these people nominate me? Do they really mean well?

But I am said to be the luckiest politician this country ever produced. I was born in Alfawa State, attended primary school in Babaldu State, and did my secondary school in Dadin Kowa State. When my father was posted to Bakeso State, we lived comfortably enough that I claimed indigene status, rose through the ranks in the civil service, ventured into politics, and miraculously became the state governor. But what did I do when I had the chance?

According to what people are saying on social media, I did not execute physical projects which I can now show to convince people to elect me. But when I was rounding up my first term, I gathered a lot of money, which I intended to use to execute the projects in my second tenure, but they unfortunately elected me out. I left the state treasury with billions of naira, and I suspect it is the money this governor has used to achieve all this development people applaud him for in the state. Why don’t I say I’m the one who gathered the money for him and claim a share of the credit?

My social media handles keep popping up with posts from haters of my return, reminding people of the verification exercises we did when we were in power. I even saw one post saying that in the cemetery there is a section of pensioners who died of hunger during our verifications. But we did that in good faith, and who will die before their appointed time? I think this can be a question of faith!

But wait, how many people did I fight with when I was in power whom I am still at loggerheads with? Traditional title holders accused me of not giving them the respect and resources they deserve. Now, this wicked governor fueled our estranged relationship with them because he built them beautiful palaces and pooled resources they never requested. But why would a lawyer of my standing, who knows very well that these people don’t have any constitutional role, deviate from due process?

My relationship with clergymen of both faiths was—and still is—not cordial. I thought their duty was only to preach to people to be righteous and serve God in order to go to paradise. But when I was in power, they asked to see me during every religious festivity, sent requests or proposals for donations or sponsorship of every religious activity. During fasting period, Sallah, Christmas and Maulud, they requested thousands of textiles, thousands of rams and cows and trailers of foodstuff to distribute to orphans. Whenever I turned down their request, they would quote me a verse in the Qur’an and the Bible, and accuse me of not helping religion. But I’m fasting every Monday and Thursday. Can this not take me to paradise?

Now, the poor say I have zero projects to show; traditional institutions throw questions of disrespect, and clergymen challenge my disregard for their institution. Despite all this, I want to return to this seat. 

What should I do?

Maijama’a wrote via sulaimanmaija@gmail.com.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli

While much of the world’s attention remains fixed on wars, economic uncertainty and geopolitical rivalries, a profound recalibration of the global energy order is underway. It is a shift defined not by headlines, but by the urgent competition to secure supply chains, attract long-term capital, deploy cleaner technologies, and craft the regulatory frameworks that will underpin economic growth for decades.

Increasingly, these decisions are not made within national borders alone. They are forged on international platforms where governments, industry leaders, investors, and researchers exchange ideas, build partnerships, and seek practical solutions to shared existential challenges.

That is why Nigeria’s return to the World Energy Council (WEC) deserves more than a passing mention. This is not merely another diplomatic affiliation. It is the country’s re-entry into one of the world’s oldest and most influential energy leadership forums at a moment when energy security, affordability, sustainability, and investment have become defining issues for every major economy. For Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and one of its premier energy producers, the significance extends well beyond representation. It offers a strategic aperture to shape global policy discourse while vigorously advancing national and regional interests.

Founded in 1923, the World Energy Council has spent over a century connecting governments, businesses, and researchers across the energy landscape. With national member committees spanning more than ninety countries, it serves as a respected neutral forum for dialogue on the future of energy rather than a regulatory body. Its influence derives from its ability to unite diverse voices to address common challenges, encourage innovation, and promote practical approaches to what it terms the “energy trilemma”: balancing energy security, environmental sustainability, and equitable access. Through flagship initiatives like the World Energy Congress and its authoritative research on global trends, the Council has become an indispensable reference point for policymakers and industry leaders alike.

Nigeria’s renewed membership arrives at a pivotal inflection point. Globally, nations are reassessing their energy strategies in response to climate commitments, geopolitical fractures, and technological disruption. The conversation has moved beyond the traditional metric of production capacity. Today, equal weight is given to resilience, competitiveness, regulatory certainty, and the ability to attract stable, long-term investment. Nations are increasingly judged not only by the resources they possess, but by the institutional strength they build and the policies they pursue.

Few countries illustrate this challenge more vividly than Nigeria. The nation holds some of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, remains a major oil producer, and possesses immense renewable energy potential, particularly in solar and hydroelectric resources. Yet it continues to grapple with persistent deficits in electricity access, transmission infrastructure, financing, and energy poverty. These realities render international engagement a strategic necessity rather than a diplomatic exercise. Participation in the WEC provides Nigeria with a vital conduit to exchange technical knowledge, strengthen institutional cooperation, learn from global best practices, and project African perspectives in conversations that increasingly dictate investment and policy outcomes.

The opportunities created by this renewed engagement are substantial. Membership unlocks access to comparative research, executive-level dialogue, policy networks, and collaborative initiatives that can directly support national reforms. For instance, Nigeria could leverage the WEC’s scenario-building tools to chart optimal pathways for gas monetisation alongside solar expansion, or utilise the Council’s “Energy Trilemma Index” to benchmark its regulatory reforms against peer economies, translating global frameworks into actionable domestic strategy. Backing this strategic push with the full authority of the state, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu offered an unequivocal endorsement of the newly constituted Member Committee. The President, in formally welcoming Nigeria’s admission, reframed the development as a decisive assertion of continental leadership rather than a mere diplomatic courtesy. Capturing the administration’s highest aspirations for the platform, he declared: “Nigeria has joined the World Energy Council to lead, not just participate – to ensure Africa’s voice shapes global energy decisions.”

Steering this strategic re-engagement is a newly constituted Member Committee, featuring representatives from the government, the private sector, academia, and international energy institutions. At its helm, Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Member Committee, and he is very much the man in the picture. Upon his appointment, Wunti captured the essence of this moment with characteristic clarity: “I am honoured to lead WEC Nigeria at a time of profound economic crosscurrents. We will navigate the energy trilemma with pragmatism, mobilising private capital to ensure Nigeria’s energy future is defined not by ideology, but by investability—delivering prosperity that is bankable, just and secure.”

These words are more than a statement of intent; they are a strategic compass. They affirm that Nigeria’s approach to the global energy transition will be grounded in realism, fiscal discipline, and a clear-eyed understanding of what attracts capital and sustains development. Wunti’s emphasis on “investability” rather than ideology signals a mature departure from abstract commitments toward measurable, bankable outcomes—a philosophy that resonates deeply with Nigeria’s immediate needs and long-term aspirations. Wunti is no peripheral figure. He brings a formidable depth of operational and strategic experience from Nigeria’s petroleum industry, having served in senior technical and executive roles, most recently as Chief Health, Safety, and Environment Officer of NNPC Ltd. His professional DNA, forged in operational management, institutional leadership, corporate governance, and multi-stakeholder engagement, positions him uniquely to navigate the complex currents of the global energy transition.

In his new capacity, Wunti’s mandate extends far beyond administration. He is tasked with architecting Nigeria’s engagement strategy: fortifying ties with international partners, driving substantive policy dialogue, and ensuring that Nigerian perspectives are not merely heard, but actively shape global energy governance. His leadership will be critical in translating the Council’s global frameworks into tangible reforms that address Nigeria’s domestic energy paradox: abundant resources coexisting with acute access deficits.

The broader significance of this development, however, transcends any single appointment. Nigeria’s return to the World Energy Council signals a mature recognition that influence in today’s energy landscape is determined as much by ideas, partnerships, and institutional credibility as by natural resource endowments. The countries that will define the future of energy are those that combine resource wealth with sound policy, technological innovation, and sustained international collaboration.

For Nigeria, this renewed membership is a strategic instrument to deepen its contribution to global energy conversations while advancing its own developmental priorities. The platform is now active, and the leadership is in place. The hope ahead, under Wunti’s stewardship, is to convert participation into tangible outcomes: stronger cross-border partnerships, more informed domestic policies, enhanced investment flows, and a more resilient, inclusive energy sector. If that objective is achieved, Nigeria’s return to the World Energy Council will be remembered not simply as an institutional milestone, but as a decisive step in strengthening the nation’s role within an increasingly interconnected global energy system, with Dr. Bala Wunti standing firmly at the centre of that transformation.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Burra Community in Ningi Local Government Area has appealed to Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to include the Ningi–Burra and Burra–Toro roads among the projects to be financed under the recently secured US$91.6 million ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) facility.

In an open letter, the community congratulated the governor on securing the fund for 24 strategic road and bridge projects, describing it as a major boost to infrastructure and economic development in Bauchi State.

The community said the two roads are vital economic corridors linking Burra with Ningi, Toro, and neighbouring parts of Kano and Plateau states. It noted that their poor condition has increased transport costs, restricted access to healthcare and education, delayed the movement of farm produce, and exposed commuters to security risks.

It urged the governor to prioritize the roads, saying their rehabilitation would improve the livelihoods of thousands of residents in the Burra Emirate and reinforce his administration’s commitment to inclusive development.

The community also called for transparency and public participation in implementing the EBID-funded projects to ensure value for money and public confidence.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Arch. Audu Sule Katagum, has died at the age of 69.

Katagum reportedly passed away in the early hours of Saturday. He served as the deputy governor of the state from 2018 to 2019 under the administration of former Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar.

The announcement of his death came through Shamsuddeen Lukman Abubakar, who served as digital and creative media aide to the former governor.

In a statement released on Saturday, Lukman said, “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Arch. Audu Sule Katagum, Wazirin Katagum and former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State.

“The deceased passed away in the early hours of today after a life of dedicated service to his community, Bauchi State and the nation.”

He also stated that information regarding the funeral arrangements would be made public later.

Lukman prayed for the deceased and said, “May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this great loss. Ameen.”

Before he became deputy governor, Katagum held the position of Chief of Staff at the Bauchi State Government House. He was also the Wazirin Katagum, a traditional title he inherited from his late father, Alhaji Sule Katagum.

The late Alhaji Sule Katagum was a respected elder statesman and the first chairman of Nigeria’s Federal Public Service Commission.

Many residents and political associates in Bauchi State described the former deputy governor’s death as a major loss to the Katagum Emirate and the state at large due to his role in public service and community development.

He is survived by his wife, children and other family members.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Bauchi State Police Command has commenced a statewide operation against vehicles without valid registration and those using concealed or fake number plates, with mobile courts deployed to facilitate the speedy prosecution of offenders.

The exercise began on Wednesday following a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu. Authorities said the initiative is intended to improve security and promote safer roads across the state.

In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the command disclosed that mobile courts have been positioned at the headquarters of the state’s five area commands and at key locations within Bauchi metropolis.

According to the police, the enforcement drive focuses on vehicles operating without proper registration, those with hidden or covered number plates, and vehicles displaying unauthorised or fraudulent registration numbers.

Commenting on the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, said, “Unregistered and unidentifiable vehicles remain a major security risk. Such vehicles are often used to perpetrate violent crimes like kidnapping and armed robbery. This enforcement is not aimed at harassing motorists, but at protecting lives and property.”

He warned that any vehicle found to be in breach of the law would be impounded, while offenders would face immediate trial before the mobile courts. He added that penalties could include fines and other sanctions stipulated under the country’s vehicle registration and licensing regulations.

The command advised motorists to ensure that their registration documents are up to date, display number plates appropriately, and avoid any form of alteration or concealment.

Police authorities also appealed to residents to cooperate with personnel involved in the operation, noting that the exercise would continue across the state without exception.

According to the command, the campaign is part of broader efforts to prevent criminals from using untraceable vehicles and to strengthen public safety throughout Bauchi State.

By Ismail Ahmad Misau

Politics often produces moments that alter the direction of public discourse and reshape the calculations of political actors. Bauchi State appears to be witnessing one of such moments. Across political gatherings, community meetings, marketplaces, social media platforms, and informal discussions, one name continues to dominate conversations with remarkable consistency: Senator Shehu Buba.

What is unfolding in Bauchi today is more than a routine political realignment. It is a phenomenon that has attracted widespread attention from political observers, party leaders, opinion molders, youth groups, traditional stakeholders, and ordinary citizens. The departure of Senator Shehu Buba from the APC and his subsequent emergence as the leading figure within the PRP has introduced a new dynamic into the political landscape of the state.

Many analysts now regard his movement as one of the most consequential political developments in recent Bauchi history. Whether one supports him or not, there is little disagreement that his growing influence has significantly altered political calculations ahead of the next electoral cycle.

From Party Pillar to Political Force

Senator Shehu Buba is not a strange politician seeking relevance. He entered this phase of his political journey with substantial credentials and an established record of public service.

As a serving Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, he has occupied strategic positions in the National Assembly, including leadership responsibilities in committees related to national security and intelligence as well as livestock development. These assignments have placed him at the center of critical national conversations concerning security, economic diversification, rural development, and agricultural transformation.

Within Bauchi State, his supporters frequently point to his accessibility, grassroots engagement, constituency interventions, and commitment to party development as factors that strengthened his political standing over the years.

For many APC supporters, Senator Shehu Buba was viewed as one of the party most visible and influential figures in the state. His ability to mobilize supporters, attract political stakeholders, and maintain a strong grassroots network earned him considerable respect across various segments of the political spectrum.

However, politics is often shaped as much by perception as by reality. As his political profile continued to rise, many observers believed that competing ambitions and internal political interests created tensions within the party structure. These developments eventually culminated in his decision to seek a new political platform.

The PRP Gamble That Changed the Conversation

When Senator Shehu Buba announced his departure from the APC and aligned himself with the PRP, reactions were mixed.

Some viewed the decision as risky. Others saw it as a bold political statement. Yet few anticipated the speed with which the new movement would gain momentum.

What has happened since then has surprised many political watchers.

The PRP, a party that previously occupied a less prominent position in contemporary Bauchi politics, suddenly became the focus of statewide attention. Political stakeholders who had previously remained on the sidelines began reassessing their options. Youth groups, community leaders, former party officials, and political actors from different backgrounds increasingly gravitated toward the new platform.

In politics, momentum is often as important as structure. Once a movement begins attracting influential personalities and generating public enthusiasm, it acquires a self sustaining character. That appears to be what many observers are now witnessing in Bauchi State.

The growing support for Senator Shehu Buba has transformed the PRP from a peripheral participant into a significant factor that cannot be ignored in future political contests.

Why Many See Him as a Serious Governorship Contender

Every election cycle produces aspirants, but only a few emerge as genuine contenders capable of commanding statewide attention.

Several factors explain why many supporters and political analysts increasingly view Senator Shehu Buba as a strong governorship prospect.

First is experience. His political journey has traversed both local and national levels. As a former Executive Chairman of Toro Local Government, one of the largest local government areas in Nigeria, he gained firsthand exposure to governance, administration, community engagement, and public sector management.

His tenure in the Senate further expanded his understanding of policy making, legislative processes, security challenges, and national development priorities.

Second is visibility. Unlike many politicians whose influence is concentrated within limited geographical areas, Senator Shehu Buba has cultivated networks that extend across different local government areas and demographic groups.

Third is public perception. Many of his supporters view him as a politician who combines political experience with accessibility. In an era when citizens increasingly demand leaders who understand everyday realities, such perceptions can become a powerful electoral asset.

A Movement Beyond Party Lines

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Senator Shehu Buba phenomenon is its ability to attract support beyond traditional party boundaries.

Political movements become formidable when they transcend partisan loyalties and appeal to broader aspirations. In many communities across Bauchi State, support for Senator Shehu Buba is increasingly being framed not merely as party affiliation but as a collective desire for a different political direction.

This explains why individuals from various political backgrounds continue to show interest in his movement.

The attraction is not limited to career politicians. Young people seeking opportunities, community leaders demanding greater development, professionals advocating institutional reforms, and ordinary citizens concerned about governance challenges are all becoming part of the wider conversation surrounding his political future.

Such cross sectional appeal often represents a significant advantage in competitive electoral environments.

Reshaping the Political Landscape

The rise of Senator Shehu Buba has introduced fresh uncertainty into the calculations of rival political camps.

For established political actors, the emergence of a rapidly expanding movement requires strategic adjustments. Political parties that previously focused their attention elsewhere must now account for a new force capable of influencing voter behavior and altering electoral outcomes.

The significance of this development extends beyond party competition. It is forcing broader conversations about governance, leadership quality, economic development, education, youth empowerment, infrastructure, healthcare, and security. These are issues that remain central to the aspirations of the people of Bauchi State.

As the political environment evolves, voters are likely to evaluate candidates not only on party platforms but also on their perceived competence, credibility, vision, and capacity to deliver tangible results.

The Leadership Question

At the heart of every governorship contest lies a fundamental question: who possesses the experience, vision, and leadership capacity to address the challenges facing the state?

Supporters of Senator Shehu Buba argue that his administrative background, legislative experience, grassroots connections, and understanding of security issues position him favorably to provide such leadership.

Bauchi State, like many states across Nigeria, faces complex challenges that require practical solutions and strategic thinking. Issues relating to economic growth, educational advancement, agricultural productivity, infrastructure expansion, youth employment, and community security remain priorities for citizens.

Many believe that future leadership must combine experience with innovation, political influence with public accountability, and ambition with a genuine commitment to service.

For an increasing number of observers, Senator Shehu Buba has emerged as a figure capable of embodying those expectations.

Conclusion: A Political Wave That Cannot Be Ignored

Political history is often shaped by moments when individuals transform public sentiment into organized political movements.

Whether viewed from the perspective of supporters, opponents, or neutral observers, the rise of Senator Shehu Buba represents one of the most significant political developments currently unfolding in Bauchi State.

His transition from the APC to the PRP has not diminished his influence. If anything, it has amplified it. His growing coalition of supporters, expanding grassroots network, and increasing visibility across the state suggest that he has become a central figure in discussions about the future of Bauchi politics.

As the journey toward the next governorship election continues, one reality appears increasingly clear: Senator Shehu Buba is no longer merely participating in the political conversation. He is helping to define it.

If current trends continue, his political movement may well become one of the decisive factors shaping the future direction of Bauchi State.

Ismail Ahmad Misau
Political Communication Aide to Hon. Dr. Bello Aliyu Abubakar Shinge

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Bauchi State Police Command has rescued a woman and her son who were abducted by gunmen in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state, while four suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the crime.

The command disclosed that the victims, a 40-year-old woman and her 25-year-old son, were kidnapped after armed men stormed their residence in Kwarin Gadali Hamlet of Pali District during the early hours of June 2, 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said the incident was reported to the police at about 11:46 a.m. on the same day.

Following the report, officers attached to the Pali Outstation moved to the area and commenced intelligence-based operations to locate the victims and track down the suspects.

According to Habib, a joint security team made up of police officers, military personnel and local security operatives acted on credible intelligence and arrested three suspects identified as Mainasara Alhaji Umaru, 23; Buba Alhaji Umaru, 20; and Muhammadu Usman, 19, at Kuka Village in Duguri District of Alkaleri LGA.

The police spokesman said further investigations led to the arrest of a fourth suspect, Ahmadu Umaru of Dalgade, after one of those initially arrested allegedly provided information linking him to the kidnapping and the whereabouts of the victims.

He stated that security operatives eventually rescued the victims unharmed at about 7:45 p.m. on June 3, 2026, after sustained intelligence-driven efforts.

“The victims have since been taken to the General Hospital, Alkaleri, for medical examination and attention,” the statement read.

Habib added that all four suspects remain in police custody, while the matter has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation.

He also noted that security agencies are continuing efforts to apprehend other members of the gang who are still at large and recover weapons allegedly used during the operation.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli

Amidst scarcity, poverty, and hunger, there are ironically unharvested fruits in abundance. We gazed up while ripe fruits flooded our soil. This is similar to the literary work of American poet Robert Frost, the author of the poem “Unharvested.” The great writer penned this poem to draw attention to the fact that some good things remain outside our systems of use, ownership, and planning, so that simply encountering them can be innocent again.

One of Frost’s most popular poems is “The Road Not Taken,” a work that conveys the feeling of trying new things, of stepping outside the status quo.

This is relatable to the just-concluded primaries of different political parties, particularly in Bauchi State. It came with opportunities but, sadly, represented a missed opportunity to harvest the prosperity it offered. As a citizen of this great state, I felt a missed opportunity in selecting flag bearers for the parties.

Bauchi has Dr Bala Maijama’a Wunti, who occupies a significant conversational space—not politically, but for his selfless impact over the years. He provides assistance that offers direct relief.

‘Technocrat with Compassion’

His professional grounding is firmly within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company system, where he spent over three decades in a demanding technical environment defined by discipline, precision, and accountability. Yet that institutional record, while significant, does not fully explain how his name moved beyond the corporate space into everyday social memory.

That movement happened through lived encounters that people still recall: a school fee quietly settled at a critical moment, a medical situation resolved when options had run out, a household supported through difficult times without the experience ever becoming a public display.

What makes Bala Wunti different from many other public figures from this corridor in Bauchi is not merely what he did, but how he carries himself while doing it. He is not a man who raises his voice to make a point. He does not need to announce his presence before entering a room.

Those who have worked closely with him describe a person who listens more than he speaks, who waits for others to finish before offering his own view, and who treats a person with nothing the same way he treats a person with everything. That is not performance; that is simply who he has been for as long as anyone can remember.

His humility is not the rehearsed kind that politicians put on during campaign seasons. It shows itself in small, unguarded moments that people notice without being told. He does not interrupt. He does not belittle. He does not make anyone feel small for not knowing what he knows.

He has a way of making you feel that your question is intelligent, your concern is valid, and your presence is welcome. In a society where power is often displayed through intimidation and loudness, his quiet dignity stands out like a calm person in a noisy room. You do not notice it at first, but after a while, you realise it is the only thing worth paying attention to.

His patience has been tested many times, especially during moments of political disappointment, and in every instance, he has refused to let frustration turn into rash action. He does not rush people. He does not force decisions before their time. He waits. He watches. He acts only when the time is right. That is the mark of a man who has nothing to prove and everything to protect.

His integrity is equally defining. Bala Wunti does not say one thing in private and another thing in public. What you see is what you get. He does not make promises he cannot keep, and he would rather lose an opportunity than lose his honour. In environments where verbal commitments are often discarded the moment they become inconvenient, that consistency has become legendary among those who have dealt with him.

His generosity is well known, but what is less discussed is the manner of it. He gives without making the recipient feel indebted. He helps without being reminded. He supports without keeping score. There are people in Bauchi today who have received life-changing assistance from him and have never once been made to feel like beggars.

Words of Robert Frost, in “Unharvested”: ‘As complete as the apple had given man.’ This depicts the abundance nature offers to man. This is what Bala Wunti has been offering on all fronts.

His composure through adversity is a quality that has earned him the deepest loyalty. When he was set aside by the political machinery, when the system pushed him out of consideration despite people’s desire for him, he did not rage. He did not threaten. He did not use his supporters to fight battles he could have easily started.

He simply returned to his foundation. He returned to the work he had been doing before ambition entered the picture. He accepted the outcome not with the weakness of resignation but with the strength of a man who knows that his worth is not tied to a title. That kind of self-control is extremely rare. It is the kind of thing people remember long after they have forgotten who won the election.

His supporters do not follow him because of what he promised them. They follow him because of what they have seen him do when no one was watching. They follow him because he has never made them feel like tools to be used and discarded.

They follow him because when they speak, he actually listens—not with the impatience of a man waiting for his turn to talk, but with the full attention of someone who believes that what they have to say matters. That is not leadership taught in any school. That is leadership that comes from a place deeper than training. It comes from a heart that has not been hardened by ambition.

History has a way of remembering men like this. In old emirates, before colonialism restructured everything, there were figures who never held official titles but remained in the memory of their communities for generations. They were the ones people turned to when formal authority was too distant or too compromised. They gave without keeping accounts.

They served without demanding recognition. They died, and people buried them with their own hands, and then they told stories about them for decades afterwards. A figure like that has not appeared in Bauchi for a very long time. Bala Wunti is that figure. It will be said that the fruits of abundance were unharvested.

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com. 

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has said the Allied People’s Movement (APM) will not rely on electoral malpractice to secure victory in the 2027 general elections.

The governor made the remark on Thursday during the affirmation of candidates for elective offices at the Government House in Bauchi. He stated that while the party would conduct its campaigns based on its achievements and programmes, it would not tolerate any attempt to deny it victory through electoral fraud.

“We are not going to underestimate our competitors. Even if a child born today is a candidate, I am going to deal with him like a grown-up person,” Mohammed said.

“It is a new game entirely. We are going back to the people to sell our credentials and what we have done. We will not urge anybody to rig for us, but we will not allow anybody to rig us. This is our policy.”

Mohammed also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process.

According to him, the party is prepared to accept the outcome of the election, provided the process is fair and reflects democratic principles.

“If we win, we will accept it. If we lose, we will accept it, especially where there is transparency, justice and equity. That is democracy,” he said.

In a post on his X account on Friday, the governor disclosed that the APM had presented Yakubu Adamu, the state commissioner for finance, as its governorship candidate for the next election. Mahmood Abubakar was unveiled as the party’s deputy governorship candidate.

Mohammed, who recently joined the APM, also expressed appreciation to party members for endorsing him as the senatorial candidate for Bauchi South.

“This development reflects our collective determination to strengthen unity within the party, expand our support base, and position ourselves for success in the 2027 elections,” he wrote.

The governor further urged party supporters and members to remain committed to the party’s vision and work toward what he described as a brighter and more prosperous future for Bauchi State.