Bauchi 2027: NNPCL Executive, Bala Wunti’s Governorship ambition unsettles PDP

The political scene in Bauchi State is heating up with speculations surrounding a possible governorship bid by Bala Wunti, a top executive at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Although Wunti has yet to formally announce his intention, reports of his interest in the 2027 gubernatorial race have unsettled the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which currently holds power in the state.

Wunti, the Group General Manager of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), is rumored to be positioning himself as a potential successor to Governor Bala Mohammed. However, he remains in public service and has not officially declared his ambition.

Sources told Daily Nigerian that Wunti might emerge as Governor Mohammed’s preferred candidate for the position. The governor, who has led the state since 2019, is said to be considering Wunti as a possible successor, though no formal endorsement has been made.

The growing speculation about Wunti’s candidacy has triggered concerns among PDP members, with many questioning how it could affect the party’s internal structure and balance of power. Some believe his close ties with Governor Mohammed may give him an advantage, while others argue it could create divisions within the party.

Despite not openly declaring his intention, Wunti is reported to have quietly obtained a PDP membership card, fueling further speculation about his political plans.

While Wunti has a strong financial background and extensive experience in the oil and gas sector, some political observers believe his lack of grassroots political influence in the state could pose a challenge. However, others argue that his business expertise and strategic approach could benefit Bauchi if he decides to run for office.

A member of Wunti’s campaign team revealed that political and traditional leaders in the state have already been mobilized for a discreet campaign. “Political and traditional leaders in the state have been mobilized to begin a discreet campaign for Wunti to emerge as the PDP gubernatorial candidate and subsequently win the 2027 election,” the source said.

Another insider, speaking anonymously, added, “We will win the 2027 election, and Wunti will be the governor. Our slogan ‘Daga Bala, Sai Bala’ is not a joke but is now the most spoken political word in Bauchi. You can ask around, my brother.”

However, critics within the PDP warn that endorsing a single candidate could alienate other key party members who may also have gubernatorial aspirations.

Other Contenders and Political Maneuvering

In the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), several politicians are eyeing the 2027 governorship race. Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Health Minister Ali Pate, former Chief of Air Staff Abubakar El-Sadique, and Bauchi South Senator Shehu Buba are among the likely contenders.

While APC has multiple candidates in view, PDP’s potential aspirants remain largely unknown. However, Health Minister Ali Pate’s recent expression of interest has reportedly caused concern within Wunti’s camp. Pate’s strong credentials and experience could make him a formidable opponent.

Speaking on the state’s political future, Pate stated, “I think we are very closely connected with the grassroots in the state. And I think the issues facing the state are very clear. But it will not come to be if the party is not united. And my singular focus is to unify APC in Bauchi, to support the president to achieve what he is trying to achieve now, and also what comes off in 2027.”

Despite his qualifications, some analysts remain skeptical about Pate’s political influence. Political commentator Musa Garba recalled that Pate failed to secure a single vote in the 2023 APC governorship primaries. “It is worth recalling that after being absent from the political scene for four years, Pate resurfaced in 2023 as one of several uninspiring APC governorship aspirants. In that primary election, Sadique Abubakar secured 370 votes (36.24%), Haliru Dauda Jika garnered 278 votes (27.23%), and Nura Manu Soro received 269 votes (26.35%). Meanwhile, the so-called political gladiator, Mr. Pate, failed to secure a single vote—ending with a humiliating total of zero (0.00%),” Garba stated.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar is reportedly aligning with former Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara to prevent Governor Mohammed from selecting a successor. Tuggar’s rivalry with the governor intensified after Mohammed made critical remarks about President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which some interpreted as a sign that he may be considering a presidential bid in 2027.

Commenting on Tuggar’s chances, local politician Muazu Lamara remarked, “Tuggar himself doesn’t also have the rallying point to be able to get the ticket of the party, even though he is a minister. We saw what happened last time, Sadique won the primary even when he [Tuggar] was an Ambassador, simply because he could not command that political strength to get persons behind him.”

With Wunti’s rumored candidacy sparking tensions in the PDP and multiple aspirants emerging from the APC, the coming months will be critical in shaping Bauchi State’s political future.