The NDC Offers a Credible Alternative for Citizens Who Desire Change

Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Kashim is a lawyer, public-sector reform expert and former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, with decades of expe Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Kashim is a lawyer, public-sector reform expert and former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, with decades of experience spanning academia, privatisation, economic reform and public administration. Now the Bauchi State gubernatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections, he speaks with ISHOLA MICHAEL about his ambition, policy blueprint and plans for the state. You are contesting under the opposition and relatively unknown NDC.

What are your chances? Political parties do not develop societies; visionary leadership and the support of the people do. The NDC offers a credible alternative for citizens who desire change.

Across Bauchi State, people are increasingly looking beyond party labels and focusing on competence, integrity and clear programmes. I am confident that our message and our policies will resonate with the electorate. What is your motivation to want to be the next Governor of the State?

My motivation is to provide purposeful, transparent and inclusive leadership that will unlock Bauchi State\u2019s enormous human and natural potential. Having served the state in different capacities, I understand both the opportunities and the challenges. I am contesting because I believe Bauchi deserves a government that creates jobs, improves education and healthcare, strengthens security and restores hope.

This vision is captured in the MUQADDAS 2027 Policy Blueprint. My aspiration is informed by my experience in public service, my interaction with citizens across the state, and my conviction that Bauchi can do much better. I have seen the challenges facing our youths, women, farmers, civil servants and businesses.

Rather than merely criticize, I have developed practical policy solutions contained in our sectoral blueprints, which is why I decided to seek the mandate of the people. Can we have a looked at your blueprint, if you eventually emerge governor? Our blueprint is the MUQADDAS 2027 Policy Blueprint, built around security, economic growth, quality education, accessible healthcare, modern agriculture, civil service reform, youth and women empowerment, infrastructure, mineral resource development, the Halal Economy, and transparent governance.

It is a practical roadmap with measurable targets designed to improve the quality of life of every citizen of Bauchi State. What will you do differently from previous administrations in the State? Our administration will focus on implementation, accountability and measurable results.

We shall diversify the economy through agriculture, mining, industrialization and investment promotion instead of relying largely on federal allocations. We will institutionalize transparent governance, strengthen local government administration, promote public-private partnerships and ensure that government policies directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens. How do you intend to tackle issues of insecurity in the State (kidnapping, banditry)?

Security will be our highest priority because development cannot thrive without peace. We shall strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies, support community policing, deploy technology for intelligence gathering, improve logistics for security personnel and address the root causes of insecurity through job creation, education, skills development and youth empowerment. Our approach combines enforcement with prevention.

In terms of performance, how will you rate the Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed-led administration? Every administration has recorded achievements and also faced challenges.