Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has warned that his restraint and patience should not be mistaken for weakness by the opposition in the state.
The governor made the assertion on Sunday while interacting with journalists shortly after his return from Abuja, stressing that he was only playing by the rules to ensure peaceful electioneering in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bala Mohammed, who appeared enraged while speaking, urged all political parties and their supporters to conduct their 2027 electioneering campaigns peacefully, lawfully and without violence.
The governor said he had consistently advised the people of the state to be law-abiding and follow INEC rules during campaigns and elections.
According to him, ‘As Governor and Chief Security Officer of Bauchi State, I will ensure that elections and campaigns are conducted without any breakdown of law and order.’
Bala Mohammed, who is flying the flag of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the Bauchi South Senatorial District seat, assured that his party would strictly adhere to INEC guidelines and called on other parties to do the same.
He noted that politics should be about issues, policies and programmes that improve citizens’ lives, rather than personal attacks or thuggery.
The governor revealed that some of his campaign posters and billboards had been vandalised by political opponents but said he had chosen the path of restraint.
‘My restraint should not be mistaken for weakness. We cannot use a hammer to kill a fly. As a leader entrusted with power, I will not abuse state authority to fight my political opponents,’ he warned.
He added that his administration had provided a level playing field for all political actors and urged them not to take his humility for granted.
The governor also called on traditional rulers and security agencies to remain neutral, fair and God-fearing throughout the election period.
He commended the peaceful conduct of political activities so far and expressed optimism that Bauchi would sustain its reputation for peace before, during and after the 2027 elections.
According to him, ‘Our assurance as a government is the campaigns will be hitch-free, peaceful and issues-based. Peace first and politics later.’
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Campaign Organization, Hon. Mahiru Maiwada Wundi, on Sunday received several defectors from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and People’s Redemption Party (PRP) into the APM.
The new members, who joined the APM, were welcomed by Alhaji Muttaka Duguri, leading to their reception and formal admission into the party.
Speaking during the event, Hon. Mahiru Maiwada Wundi warmly welcomed the new members and assured them of his continued support, partnership and commitment to the success of the party.
He expressed confidence that their decision to join the APM would further strengthen the party and contribute significantly to its success.
He further assured the new members that, together, they would work tirelessly towards securing victory for the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Yakubu Adamu, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and all other APM candidates in the forthcoming 2027 elections.
The impressive turnout and growing number of people joining the APM were described as indications of the party’s increasing acceptance and political strength across Bauchi State.
The event further demonstrated the growing momentum towards an APM victory in 2027, with Senator Bala Mohammed and all APM candidates poised for success at the polls.