The Women Coalition for Sustainable Peace and Viable Democratic Gains in Bauchi State has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), state party leaders, and other stakeholders to allow the democratic process in Bauchi State to reflect the will of the people by electing a credible leader and a female deputy governor.
In an open letter addressed to President Tinubu and the APC leadership, National Coordinator Hajiya Addaji Muhammad said, “Bauchi State deserves an opportunity to experience leadership capable of restoring public confidence, strengthening peace, promoting continuity of people-oriented governance, and creating meaningful opportunities for women and youths.”
“As women advocating for inclusive governance and sustainable democratic participation, we strongly recommend and advocate for the emergence of a competent and credible female deputy governorship candidate,” Addaji said. “This will further strengthen gender inclusion, women’s participation in governance, and broader democratic representation in Bauchi State.”
She added that peace, political stability, and long-term democratic success can only be sustained where the people feel heard, respected, and genuinely represented.
“Our appeal is made in good faith, in the interest of peace, democratic continuity, and the collective future of our dear state,” she said.
The coalition described itself as a group of women committed to sustainable peace, democratic stability, inclusive governance, and the advancement of democratic gains for the people of Bauchi State and Nigeria.
“Democracy thrives when the voices, aspirations, and genuine choices of the people are respected,” Addaji said. “While political strategies and interests remain part of democratic practice, it is equally important that such strategies do not undermine the will, welfare, and confidence of the people. Sustainable political victories are better achieved through justice, inclusiveness, fairness, and popular acceptance rather than imposition.”
Following consultations and political viability studies across Bauchi State, the group concluded that residents desire meaningful change, credible leadership, and a government that reflects their realities and aspirations.
“Sadly, the impact of democratic dividends in Bauchi State remains significantly inadequate, particularly in recent years,” the statement said. “The suffering of ordinary citizens, especially women and youths, continues to increase amid rising expectations and limited opportunities. Many communities still struggle with unemployment, inadequate empowerment initiatives, weak social support systems, and insufficient developmental impact.”
The group said one political figure consistently stood out for grassroots acceptance, visible interventions, accessibility, and public confidence: Senator Shehu Buba Umar.
“Across communities, many citizens acknowledged his efforts in supporting youths, empowering women, responding to community needs, and maintaining close engagement with the people,” Addaji said. “We believe that the level of impact he has achieved as a senator compares favorably not only with current office holders but also with many past political actors across the state.”
“As a non-partisan coalition, our responsibility is not to promote political sentiment but to present realities as observed from the grassroots,” she added. “Based on the outcome of our political viability assessment, we strongly believe that Senator Shehu Buba Umar presently represents the most acceptable and promising option among the various aspirants across party lines for the future leadership direction of Bauchi State.”
The group prayed for Allah to guide leaders toward wisdom, justice, and decisions that promote unity, progress, and sustainable development for Bauchi State and Nigeria. It called for democratic fairness, responsible leadership, and respect for the will of the people in Bauchi State.
