Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi
Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar (Rtd), has announced his withdrawal from partisan politics, bringing an unexpected end to widespread speculation about his political future ahead of the 2027 Bauchi State governorship race.
Abubakar, who contested the 2023 Bauchi governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), disclosed his decision in an emotional video message released on Saturday, citing personal reasons for stepping away from active political engagement.
Speaking in Hausa, the retired military officer popularly known as Air marshal, described the move as a difficult but necessary decision, expressing gratitude to his supporters across Bauchi State and Nigeria for their unwavering support since his entry into politics in 2021.
“Today, with a heavy heart, I have made the difficult decision to leave politics for personal reasons,” he stated.
He acknowledged the disappointment the announcement may cause his followers and offered an apology, noting that the choice was made after deep reflection.
“This decision did not come easily because of the love, support, and encouragement I received from the people,” he added.
Despite his exit from partisan politics, Abubakar assured residents that his commitment to public service remains intact through the Marshal Care Foundation, with continued focus on healthcare and education initiatives.
“My retirement from politics will not stop me from serving humanity. I will continue supporting society, especially in education and healthcare,” he said.
His resignation comes amid recent political realignments and internal party tensions, particularly following his association with emerging political movements in Bauchi after the 2023 elections.
Abubakar’s political journey began shortly after his retirement from the Nigerian Air Force. He quickly became a major force in Bauchi politics and was regarded as one of the strongest challengers to Governor Bala Mohammed during the 2023 election.
Though defeated, he remained a significant figure in opposition politics, with many supporters expecting him to re-enter the governorship contest in 2027 under a different political platform.
His departure is likely to reshape Bauchi’s political landscape, leaving supporters and political observers reassessing the dynamics of the upcoming electoral cycle.
Abubakar concluded his message with prayers for peace, progress, and stability in Bauchi State and Nigeria as a whole.
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