The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State has settled the issue of its deputy governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election, naming former Commissioner for Special Duties and Rural Development, Faruk Mustapha, as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN.
The development brings to an end weeks of uncertainty and speculation over who would occupy the deputy governorship position on the party’s ticket as preparations for the next year’s election gather momentum.
Mustapha confirmed his nomination while speaking with journalists. He said he had accepted the offer and described it as an opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of Bauchi State.
“Yes, I have been nominated as the gubernatorial running mate and I have accepted the nomination. It is a call to service and I can’t reject such a call,” he said.
He said the trust reposed in him by the party leadership and supporters would inspire him to work diligently if elected into office.
According to him, the people of the state are familiar with his capacity and public service record, adding that he would justify the confidence placed in him.
“The people know our capabilities and decided to trust us with the responsibility of leadership. We will not fail them,” he stated.
Mustapha recently left the Allied People’s Movement (APM), where he had sought the party’s governorship ticket. Following his exit from the party, he aligned with the APC and has now emerged as the deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 contest.
Speaking on his partnership with former Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, Mustapha said the APC candidate possesses the experience required to lead the state.
He argued that Abubakar’s previous tenure in office gives him a clear understanding of the challenges facing Bauchi and the policies needed to address them.
“He is not a newcomer to the job. He knows exactly what to do, and it is only fair to allow him come back to complete the good things he started,” Mustapha said.
The former commissioner also expressed optimism about the APC’s chances in the next election, maintaining that the party is well-positioned to secure victory at the polls.
Mustapha remains a notable figure in Bauchi politics. He previously served as Director-General of Governor Bala Mohammed’s 2023 re-election campaign before parting ways politically with the governor’s camp.
Meanwhile, APC State Organising Secretary, Sallau Kafi, confirmed that the party leadership, in conjunction with its governorship candidate, had completed the nomination process by forwarding Mustapha’s name and relevant credentials to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the deputy governorship position.