By Najeeb Sani
Ambassador Shuaibu Ahmed has been cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), alongside his running mate, Abubakar Zakari.
Ahmed announced the development in a message titled, “The Bright Future Starts Now”, addressed to his supporters and the people of Bauchi State.
According to the statement, the clearance followed the initial exclusion of his name from the list of cleared candidates for the election, a development he said had tested the patience of his supporters.
“There have been difficult days on this journey, days of uncertainty, days when our patience was tested, and days when attempts were made to deny us the opportunity to offer ourselves for service.
“When our names were excluded from the list of cleared candidates to contest the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State by INEC, I knew how deeply disappointed many of you felt. But you did not abandon us.
“Despite every attempt to prevent us from contesting, the will of Almighty God has prevailed,” he said.
Ahmed used the announcement to unveil his vision for Bauchi State as it marks its 50th anniversary.
He said 50 years was long enough for the state to have built strong institutions, eradicated poverty and addressed challenges such as out-of-school children, youth unemployment and preventable maternal deaths.
“I envision a Bauchi State where every child goes to school and receives a quality education; where classrooms open doors to opportunity rather than merely serving as shelters for unfulfilled dreams,” he said.
He also promised quality and affordable healthcare for all citizens, meaningful employment opportunities for youths, peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, a living wage for civil servants, and prompt payment of gratuities and retirement benefits to retirees.
On governance, Ahmed pledged that public resources would be deployed with integrity and the fear of God, promising an administration that listens to the people and earns their trust.
“I therefore call on all the good people of Bauchi State: let us come together. Let us join hands to take back our state and rescue it from bad and selfish leadership,” he said.
He said the clearance had opened the way for the task ahead, adding that “Bauchi State must move from potential to prosperity” and that the state deserved a new beginning after 50 years.