Beatrice Gondyi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the state’s local government elections, expressing optimism that the All Progressives Movement (APM) would emerge victorious in the poll.
The governor spoke shortly after casting his vote alongside his wife, brothers and other members of his community, where he described the atmosphere at the polling unit as peaceful and free of rancour.
“We have cast our vote, and the place is very peaceful. We can see the atmosphere of serenity this morning, and we appreciate God for our peace and the spirit of love that is here in this voting area,” Mohammed said.
He commended the presence of security personnel, including the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies, saying their presence had contributed to the orderly conduct of the exercise.
Mohammed also explained that he had spent the night in the community with his wife and brothers as a demonstration of solidarity and connection with the people.
He said local government administration remained critical to development because the majority of Nigerians lived outside state capitals.
“We wish those that will win a very successful tenure, and they should do it with fear of God. They should know that local government is where everything is done, because the majority of our people live in the local government, not in the capital,” he said.
The governor said his administration had consistently ensured that local government elections were conducted when due, describing the process as an important part of strengthening democratic governance at the grassroots.
Asked if he was fulfilled that the election marked the end of the current local government electoral cycle, Mohammed said he was satisfied that the culture of democratic governance had become entrenched at the local level.
“I’m fulfilled because the culture of democracy, of democratic governance at the local government has been entrenched,” he said.
According to him, the increasing participation of qualified candidates, including people with doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degrees, demonstrated growing interest in local government administration.
He attributed the development to the autonomy and increased resources available to local councils under his administration, saying the government had ensured that revenue and activities were taken to the grassroots.
Mohammed expressed gratitude to the people of Bauchi State for giving his administration the opportunity to serve, saying he hoped to leave office peacefully after ensuring continuity of what he described as the achievements of his administration.
He also disclosed his desire to support the emergence of a successor from his political party who would continue with his administration’s programmes.
The governor said the recent party primaries were conducted largely through consensus to avoid rancour and internal divisions.
On his expectations from the election, Mohammed predicted victory for the APM, describing the poll as an important test for the party.
“My expectation is victory for APM, the new party. It’s a testing ground. This is the first time the party we have brought on board is going for election,” he said.
He criticised politicians who, according to him, had withdrawn from the electoral contest because they were afraid of defeat, urging political parties to test their popularity among the electorate.
Mohammed further said President Bola Tinubu had demonstrated his commitment to democratic principles, arguing that the federal government would not impose candidates on voters.
“There is no monarchy. It is democratic governance,” he said, while urging all participating political parties to accept the outcome of the election.
The governor pledged that his administration would provide a level playing field for all parties and ensure that citizens were allowed to exercise their right to vote.
“I’m highly grateful that this election took place and some parties participated. Ours is to leave a level playing field and to ensure that people are allowed to exercise their universal suffrage,” he said.
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