2027: Bauchi gov most receptive to my campaign – Atiku

The ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed....Photo Credit: Umar Sani.

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has commended Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, for providing his campaign team with access to the state stadium and government lounge despite their political differences.

Atiku described Mohammed as the only governor among the states he had visited since the commencement of his campaign who had openly accommodated his entourage without intimidation or harassment.

The former Vice-President stated this on Saturday during his campaign rally at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.

He said the governor had demonstrated democratic principles by allowing the opposition party to use government facilities for its campaign activities.

Recounting his experience across the country, Atiku said, “Since we began our campaign, no state and governor has been as receptive to us as the Bauchi State Governor.

“We want to thank him because he has followed the principles of Nigerian democracy, which give us the right to meet everywhere and campaign to the people.

“In some states, we were denied spaces, but we still have our constitutional rights. We campaign even on the streets, as the Constitution guarantees us.

“But the Bauchi State Governor did not take opposition to the extreme. He gave us the state’s stadium to conduct our campaign. Secondly, he gave us the government lounge. For that, we are thankful to him, but we are still his opposition.”

The ADC presidential candidate described Bauchi as his political home in the North-East, saying the state had consistently given him significant electoral support in previous elections.

“Ever since I have been contesting for president, in the North-East, no state is voting for me like Bauchi. Bauchi is my home,” he added.

Atiku also promised to revive oil exploration at the Kolmani oil field in Bauchi State if elected president in the 2027 general elections.

He equally pledged to restore subsidies on petroleum products and electricity, as well as tackle insecurity in the North-East and other parts of the country.

The former Vice-President said his administration would prioritise the welfare and development of Nigerians, urging the electorate to support all ADC candidates, from the presidential to the councillorship elections.

Expressing appreciation to the people of Bauchi for their consistent electoral support, Atiku promised not to take their loyalty for granted.

He said, “Believe me, if you go by the past results, you are the state that has supported me the most with votes. I shall never forget that.

“And if you give me another opportunity, let me tell you three things I can do for you. I have already promised all Nigerians that I will restore the petroleum subsidy. Not only that, I will also restore subsidies on electricity power.

“Thirdly, I will generally restore security in the North-Eastern region and the country.”

On the Kolmani oil project, the ADC candidate promised to sustain exploration activities at the oil field to provide an additional source of revenue for the country.

“I also promise that I will continue the exploration of petroleum in Kolmani so that we will have an additional source of revenue,” he added.

Atiku urged residents to come out in large numbers during the elections and protect their votes by ensuring that ballots were counted and results transmitted before leaving their polling units.

He said, “I want you to make sure you come out in your thousands, vote for ADC, ensure that the votes are counted and ensure that the results are transmitted before you leave the polling unit.

“You are very well known for protecting your democratic rights. Please do so, from the presidential election up to the state assembly election.”

PUNCH Online reports that Atiku arrived in Bauchi on Friday night and paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Sulaimanu, before commencing his campaign activities.

He on Saturday led a procession through major streets of the Bauchi metropolis to the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, where he addressed supporters.

The former Vice-President also visited some strategic traditional institutions in the state, including the palaces of the Emirs of Misau, Ahmed Sulaiman, and Katagum, Umar Faruq.