Sadique Baba Abubakar’s politics of principle
By Mukhtar Jarmajo
Certainly, a democratic system of governance is predicated on the idea that, as long as the people can elect their leaders in the three strata of government and representatives in the legislatures, society will be better, given that government policies and programmes will reflect the people’s yearnings and aspirations. While this is true, to fully realize this ambition, the full participation of the citizenry in the entire democratic process cannot be overemphasized.
Citizens must uphold their responsibilities in the name of nation-building by electing only leaders who genuinely understand society’s challenges and are sincerely willing to address them. This crop of politicians can be identified through their campaign manifestos. The issues raised, ideas discussed, and points made during campaign rallies, discussions, and interviews by aspirants tell significantly how they feel about their society and their burning desire to work towards raising the people’s living standards to a higher threshold.
Therefore, it is essential for voters to consider the backgrounds of political candidates and their plans when choosing at the polls. For Nigeria’s democracy to thrive, everyone must work to educate the public about the importance of active participation in the democratic process and making informed choices at the ballot box.
This, most probably, is retired Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar’s school of thought, which is why he has remained steadfast in talking to the people, especially in Bauchi State, on the need to engage in the politics of principles while prioritising the general development of the society.
Notably, Abubakar contested for the governorship position in Bauchi State in the 2023 elections under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform. This has been his call since the 2023 election campaigns.
At every forum, he praises the politics of principles, noting that it is the only path to a better society. Through the politics of principles, the nation will get the right leaders who can work hard to deliver democratic dividends to the people. When the right leaders are in place, the children of ordinary citizens will gain access to quality public education and enjoy the same advantages as everyone else, enabling them to attain their full potential and realise their ambitions.
More so, there will be access to affordable quality healthcare services; food will be sufficient and available on every home’s table; there will be more jobs for the teeming youth; affordable housing will be made available so everyone can live in decent shelter; and, most importantly, the security of lives and properties can be assured.
Jarmajo wrote from Kukadi/Gundari Ward, Misau Local Government, Bauchi state.
