Women groups in Bauchi State have announced the withdrawal of their endorsement and support for the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) gubernatorial candidate, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, ahead of the 2027 general election.
The groups include the Coalition of Women Groups, Civil Society Organisations, Community-Based Organisations, Youth Groups, and Concerned Stakeholders across Bauchi State.
In a statement signed by Hajiya Halima Nuhu Mohammed, the groups reaffirmed their support and loyalty to Hajiya Baheejah Mahmood Abdullahi, who contested the deputy governorship seat alongside six others under the PRP.
According to the statement, the decision followed the candidate’s ‘unilateral’ announcement of a running mate without consultation with key stakeholders, particularly women, whose demand for fair representation and inclusion had been consistently presented during the selection process.
“Our support for Senator Shehu Buba Umar was based on the expectation that the principles of justice, inclusiveness, consultation, and equity would guide critical decisions,” the statement said.
“Unfortunately, the process leading to the selection of his deputy failed to reflect these values and ignored the legitimate aspirations of women across Bauchi State who had worked tirelessly for the success of the project.
“While we respect his constitutional right to make political decisions, we equally reserve our democratic right to reassess our position when those decisions no longer align with the values and expectations of the people we represent.”
The groups reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with Hajiya Baheejah Mahmood Abdullahi, describing her as a woman of substance, courage, integrity, and exceptional leadership.
They noted that she remains one of the strongest voices for women, children, vulnerable persons, and grassroots development in Bauchi State.
“Hajiya Baheejah Mahmood Abdullahi is a grassroots politician, an outstanding women mobiliser, and a courageous political leader whose dedication to humanitarian service is widely acknowledged,” the statement said.
“She played a leading role in the establishment of the Bauchi State Orphans and Vulnerable Children Agency during the administration of Mallam Isa Yuguda. Her decades of service have earned her the confidence and support of thousands of women, youth, community organisations, and civil society groups across the state.”
The groups added that her experience, competence, vision, and commitment to social justice made her one of the finest leaders Bauchi State has produced.
“Many political stakeholders believed that her emergence as Deputy Governor would have strengthened the political structure of the party, promoted gender inclusion, expanded grassroots support, and enhanced the prospects of victory in the 2027 governorship election,” they said.
Although that opportunity was not realized, the groups said their confidence in her leadership remains strong.
“We therefore call upon Hajiya Baheejah Mahmood Abdullahi not to be discouraged by this development. Rather, we urge her to continue her noble struggle for justice, equity, and good governance,” the statement added.
“We also wish to assure her that wherever her political journey leads, we shall stand firmly beside her. Whatever lawful and democratic path she chooses in pursuit of the progress of Bauchi State and the empowerment of its people, especially women, children, and the vulnerable, she can count on our total support, loyalty, and commitment.”
The groups concluded: “Our movement was never built around personalities alone; it was built around principles of justice, inclusion, competence, and service. Those principles remain unchanged.
“Together, we shall continue to work for a Bauchi State where merit is rewarded, women are respected as equal partners in leadership, and every citizen has an opportunity to contribute to the development of our dear state.”
