BAUCHI PEOPLE’S GROWING DEMAND FOR BALA WUNTI AS 2027 GOVERNOR EXPLAINED – AMINU BAUCHIN BAUCHI

BAUCHI PEOPLE’S GROWING DEMAND FOR BALA WUNTI AS 2027 GOVERNOR EXPLAINED – AMINU BAUCHIN BAUCHI Insight Tribune News A stakeholder in Bauchi State, Aminu Bauchin Bauchi, has explained the increasing calls from residents urging Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti to contest the 2027 governorship election, attributing the development to his long-standing humanitarian services and contributions to the socio-economic growth of the state. According to Aminu, the growing popularity of Wunti cuts across political and party lines, driven largely by his record of philanthropy, community development initiatives, and commitment to improving the welfare of ordinary citizens. He noted that through the Wunti Al-Khair Foundation, the former senior executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has sponsored thousands of students on scholarships, supported religious institutions, provided humanitarian relief to vulnerable groups, empowered women and youths, and facilitated vocational and digital skills training across Bauchi State. Aminu further stated that the foundation has also implemented mentorship programmes aimed at nurturing future leaders and promoting self-reliance among young people. He added that the agitation for Wunti’s possible emergence as governor is also rooted in what many residents describe as his humility, accessibility, integrity, and accountability in both public and private life. “This is more than politics. It is about a man who has consistently touched lives and invested in people without holding any elective office. Many people believe that if he could do this much as a private citizen, he would achieve even more with a public mandate,” Aminu said. Wunti, a respected technocrat and former Group General Manager at NNPCL, retired from active service after a distinguished career in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Following his retirement, he was reportedly encouraged by APC stakeholders, youth groups, community leaders, and supporters to join the 2027 governorship race. Although he eventually declared interest in the race, he lost the APC ticket to former Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar. Recalling Wunti’s initial reaction to calls to join politics, Aminu said he had expressed reluctance at first, stating that he never originally aspired to become governor. “He said: ‘I didn’t intend to become governor. Almighty Allah has blessed me with everything I need in life. Alhamdulillah,’” Aminu quoted. However, according to him, Wunti later reconsidered his position following persistent appeals from elders, associates, community leaders, and citizens across the state. “He said when your parents, friends, community, and even young people call on you to serve, it becomes a responsibility that requires deep reflection,” Aminu added. Aminu further noted that Wunti has consistently emphasized that leadership is a sacred trust, not an opportunity for personal enrichment. “Being governor is not an easy responsibility. The education of children, the security of communities, and the welfare of citizens would rest on one’s shoulders. It must be approached with fear of God and accountability,” he quoted Wunti as saying. He also stated that Wunti has warned supporters against misinterpreting political ambition as access to public wealth. “Public resources belong to the people and must be used for their benefit. I will never compromise my integrity or my values,” he reportedly said. According to Aminu, Wunti often reflects on his life journey—from losing his parents early in life to rising to a senior position in Nigeria’s petroleum industry—as evidence of divine grace and perseverance. “The blessings Allah has given me are more than enough. I was raised from an orphan to a position of national responsibility, and I remain committed to serving humanity with gratitude,” he was quoted as saying. Aminu concluded that it is this combination of professional excellence, philanthropy, and perceived integrity that continues to place Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti at the center of Bauchi State’s political conversations ahead of the 2027 elections.