By Khalid Idris Doya
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, April 20, 2026(Series News Online)- Barrister Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim, a former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government and the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, has announced his bid for the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the Social Democratic Party.
Kashim disclosed his intention while addressing journalists in Bauchi on Monday.
He described it as worrisome that Bauchi remains one of the poorest states in Nigeria despite its abundant natural and human resources.
The former SSG said the state’s economic recovery hinges on a locally driven industrialisation plan that would revive moribund companies such as the Steyr Automobile Assembly Company, the Fertiliser Blending Company, Allind Cables and Wires, and the Bauchi Meat Factory.
“Revitalising these industries would stimulate grassroots development and job creation,” he said.
Kashim pointed out that Bauchi is a leading producer of agricultural commodities like rice, tomatoes, and pepper, adding that proper value-chain development could significantly grow the state’s economy.
Recalling his tenure in government under Governor Bala Mohammed, he said he helped draft key legislation that improved internally generated revenue and led to the creation of agencies, including the infrastructure maintenance body.
Explaining his defection to the SDP, Kashim said he was content to have left the PDP before what he called its internal crisis.
He expressed confidence in the political awareness of Bauchi voters, stating that they prioritise credible candidates over the size of a political party.
“Our people are politically conscious. They vote for competence, not just party size. We have seen this happen before, and it will happen again,” he said.
On speculations about possible defectors joining the SDP, Kashim said new entrants were welcome but stressed that he would not withdraw for any aspirant.
“They are free to join our party, but I am fully in the race. I will contest the primaries and I am confident of securing the ticket,” he added.
Commenting on his relationship with Governor Bala Mohammed, Kashim said it remains cordial but not political.
He credited the governor for giving him the opportunity to serve in strategic positions, including Director-General of the Bauchi State Bureau of Public Enterprise and Privatisation and later as Secretary to the State Government.
He also disclosed that he formally notified the governor of his governorship ambition and noted that the governor paid him a condolence visit after the recent death of his father.
Reacting to allegations of corruption during his time in office, Kashim challenged anyone to present evidence of wrongdoing.
He stated that he was never investigated, queried, or charged to court over any misconduct.
“A Secretary to the Government does not have the authority to approve or spend public funds independently. At no point did I mismanage government resources,” he stated.
It will be recalled that Governor Bala Mohammed contested the PDP presidential ticket during the 2023 general elections but lost. Following that, Kashim, who had emerged as the PDP governorship candidate in the May 2022 primaries, voluntarily stepped down in June 2022 to allow Bala Mohammed to return and seek re-election as governor of Bauchi State in 2023.
After Bala’s re-election, Kashim was reappointed as Secretary to the State Government but resigned from the position in December 2024.
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