The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, governorship candidate, Barrister Ibrahim Mohammed Kashim, has pledged to make education free in Bauchi State and build a more productive economy driven by agriculture and local investment.
Barrister Kashim, a former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, SSG, made the pledge in Bauchi after emerging as the NDC governorship candidate. He said the state must shift from overdependence on civil service jobs to a productive economy powered by agriculture and local enterprise.
He proposed large-scale farming initiatives across all 20 local government areas as a strategy for job creation, food security, and economic expansion.
Kashim thanked the party leadership and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, describing his nomination as a mandate to provide purposeful leadership. He expressed optimism that the NDC would emerge as a strong contender and spring surprises in the 2027 governorship election.
He outlined key development priorities for Bauchi, noting that despite its population, landmass, and natural endowments, the state had yet to translate its potential into economic prosperity.
“This honour is not mine alone. It belongs to every young person searching for opportunity, every farmer striving to make a living, every mother hoping for a better future for her children, and every community yearning for development,” he said.
Barrister Kashim said Bauchi is richly endowed — from the fertile lands of Katagum to communities in Bauchi Central and the resilient people of Bauchi South — and has the potential to thrive if properly harnessed.
However, he lamented persistent challenges, including unemployment, poverty, weak infrastructure, and underperforming public services.
“Our youths are eager to work but lack opportunities. Our farmers work hard but earn too little. Our schools exist, but many do not equip our children for the future,” he said, adding that the current situation does not reflect the Bauchi people deserve.
He pledged to raise the standard of education and provide free education for all indigenes of the state. He also said he would reduce the number of out-of-school children by upgrading local Quranic schools to integrate Western education.
Speaking after the exercise, Bauchi State NDC Chairman, Ibrahim Maigari, commended party members for their unity and discipline, saying the party was steadily building momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
The primary election was supervised by officials from the party’s national secretariat and chaired by Paul Daniel, head of the electoral committee for the Bauchi governorship primary.
Kashim emerged as the party’s flag bearer through a voice vote and unanimous affirmation by delegates after a motion was moved, seconded, and adopted at the congress.
