The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi State, Adamu Usman Ahmed, has expressed strong confidence in his chances of winning the 2027 governorship election. He dismissed concerns about the influence of the incumbent governor in determining the poll outcome.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Ahmed argued that Bauchi State's political history shows no sitting governor has successfully installed a successor. He insisted that the electorate would ultimately decide who governs the state.
When asked about his chances against a strong opponent backed by the governor, Ahmed responded: 'The people of Bauchi are always wise, and several times, from the history of the state, there has never been a governor who was able to install a successor in the state. So the chances are clear, and the coast is clear for the opposition to win.'
The PDP candidate also described the honour bestowed on the party's national chairman as a source of inspiration for young Nigerians, highlighting opportunities within the party for youths to aspire to leadership positions. According to him, the PDP remains committed to nurturing a new generation of leaders capable of contributing to national development.
Ahmed further noted that the political landscape ahead of the 2027 election differs significantly from previous contests. He cited the emergence of multiple parties and candidates in the governorship race. Unlike previous elections dominated by two major parties, the forthcoming poll will feature several contenders, a development he believes will work in his favour.
'The dynamics of politics are very different nowadays, especially in the 2027 election. This is the first time we have about seven or eight political parties contesting for the governorship election. Usually, it has been a two-horse race between the ruling party and the opposition. This time, we have several candidates from different parties, and that is my added advantage,' he said.
On the prospects of the PDP in the 2027 elections, Ahmed described the party as the most stable political platform in the country. He claimed that many rival parties are grappling with internal crises arising from their primary elections. He maintained that the PDP's stability is attracting politicians from other parties, including some serving government officials who, according to him, are considering joining the opposition party.
'PDP is the only stable party in Nigeria because other parties are enmeshed in one crisis or another. After their primaries, there have been lots of defections, and many people are returning to us. Even some people in government are willing to join the PDP because of our stability and the prospects we have in the elections,' he said.
Ahmed also appealed to young people across Bauchi State and the country to actively participate in the democratic process and support credible candidates capable of addressing their concerns. He said one of the major goals of his administration, if elected governor, would be the creation of jobs for young people, describing unemployment as a major driver of social unrest and insecurity.
'The major target of my government will be job creation because that is what is causing a lot of social crisis. Once we create jobs and empower the youth, it will help address the unrest and social challenges affecting our economy,' he added.
