2027: NDC Vows To Remain In Bauchi Gov’ship Race Despite Candidate’s Resignation

The Bauchi State chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Abdullahi Maigari Misau, has insisted that the party remains committed to the 2027 governorship election despite the resignation of its candidate, Barr. Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim.

Misau said the party would consult its legal team to determine the appropriate steps to take following Kashim’s withdrawal, expressing confidence that the development would not end the party’s participation in the election.

The NDC chairman spoke in a telephone conversation with our correspondent in response to Kashim’s resignation, which took effect on October 16, 2026.

Kashim communicated his decision in a resignation letter addressed to the chairman of the NDC in Bauchi Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The letter was sent to LEADERSHIP Newspaper on Monday.

The former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government (SSG) under Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration said his decision followed careful consideration and was based on personal reasons.

The NDC had presented Kashim as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election, with Tata Alhaji as his running mate. He was also among the 15 governorship candidates recently listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the election in Bauchi State.

Reacting to the development, Misau said the party leadership was disappointed by the resignation, particularly because it came after Kashim had secured the party’s ticket and preparations for the election were gathering momentum.

“Honestly, we are not happy with this development. We are deeply disappointed, but since it is beyond our control, we can only pray that it turns out to be in the best interest of all involved,” he said.
Misau added that the party did not fully understand the reasons behind Kashim’s decision, noting that individuals were entitled to make personal choices based on their interests and convictions.

“In politics, everyone seeks what they believe is best for them. Every individual has the right to choose their own path and decide how they want to contribute to society and the nation, while also pursuing their personal interests,” he said.

Despite the resignation, the NDC chairman maintained that the party had not abandoned its governorship ambition, pointing to the existence of a running mate as part of his argument that the party remained in the race.

“Under the electoral framework, the governorship candidate and the running mate contest together. Since we have a running mate, it cannot be said that we are no longer in the race,” Misau stated.

He, however, said the party would consult its lawyers and seek clarification on the legal implications of the resignation, including guidance from the relevant legal authorities of INEC.

“We will consult our legal team and seek guidance from INEC’s legal counsel on the appropriate steps to take. However, I can assure you that we are still in the race,” he added.

Misau further assured party members and supporters that the NDC leadership remained committed to mobilising support across the state.

He urged residents of Bauchi State to support the party’s candidates in the 2027 general elections, expressing optimism about the party’s prospects.

“We are still in the race, and by the grace of God, we will succeed. We call on the people of Bauchi State to vote for our party’s candidates at all levels,” he said.

In his resignation letter, Barr. Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim formally notified the party of his decision to end his membership, expressing appreciation to its leadership and members for the opportunity to be associated with the NDC.

“This decision has been taken after careful consideration and is a matter of personal choice. I wish to express my appreciation to the party leadership and members for the opportunity to have been associated with the NDC,” he stated.

He also requested that the party acknowledge his resignation and update its records accordingly.

While giving further explanation on his decision during a chat with our correspondent, Kashim said his resignation from the NDC would not weaken his commitment to pursuing political change and development in the state.

“My dear supporters, brothers and sisters, and the good people of Bauchi State, I wish to formally inform you that I have resigned my membership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), effective October 16, 2026,” he said.

Kashim reiterated his commitment to what he described as the struggle for a better Bauchi State, identifying purposeful leadership, economic growth, employment opportunities for young people and women, and improved security as priorities.

He said his political journey was far from over and pledged to continue engaging with individuals and groups who shared his vision for a peaceful and prosperous state.

“Our political journey is far from over, and our commitment to the rescue and development of Bauchi State remains unwavering. We shall continue to engage constructively with all well-meaning individuals and groups who share our vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and economically vibrant Bauchi State,” he said.

The former SSG added that he would announce the next phase of his political journey in due course, urging his supporters to remain calm, steadfast and united.

“In due course, we shall communicate the next phase of our struggle and the direction we intend to take. Until then, I urge you to remain calm, steadfast, and united in our collective determination to build the Bauchi State of our dreams,” he said.

He said that his political mission extended beyond party affiliation, describing it as a commitment to the future of the people and the state.