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The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has urged Bauchi residents to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing federal projects, healthcare recruitment, agricultural interventions and economic reforms.
Pate made the appeal during an interview with Arise News, arguing that the Tinubu administration had delivered benefits to Bauchi State and improved the state government’s capacity to fund development projects.
He said the Federal Government had completed four federal facilities, improved healthcare infrastructure and recruited more than 4,000 qualified health workers in Bauchi as part of a nationwide recruitment exercise.
“A lot has changed from 2023. President Tinubu has now has now led this country for three years, and Bauchi has many reasons to support President Tinubu after the three and a half, nearly four years of his administration,” he said.
Pate also cited agricultural interventions, support for the farming sector and an improved fiscal position for states, which he said had enabled the Bauchi government to do more with available resources.
“So it is now payback time for Bauchi. And I think Bauchi people are sophisticated enough, they understand it, and they will be able to support him,” he said.
The minister also called on Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and support Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that the ruling party offered a stronger platform for the state’s political future.
“He’s on a different party. Now we invite him to join the APC and support President Tinubu. That is the best course for him,” Pate said.
He argued that Bauchi was too important to remain on the fringes of national politics, urging the governor to join the APC and work with the President.
“Bauchi is far too important to be a minority state in the Nigerian political equation. And I think Governor Bala Mohammed is smart enough to understand that. What we call upon him is to pivot, walk switch back home, join APC and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Let’s build a strong, united and prosperous country together under the leadership of the president.”
Pate dismissed claims that dissatisfaction with Tinubu was growing across Northern Nigeria, describing such reports as a narrow narrative driven largely by social media and elite circles.
He acknowledged that the removal of the petrol subsidy, currency devaluation and rising food costs had triggered public concerns but argued that some of the pressures had eased. He also said security challenges had reduced compared with previous years, although they remained unresolved.
“There are tangible improvements. Three years ago, there was all hue and cry post removal of subsidy on devaluation, on food crisis. Those have abated, and folks have begun to see, even on the security issue, it’s abated compared to where it was, not completely resolved,” he said.
The minister expressed confidence that Tinubu would win the 2027 election, arguing that voters across the North would consider the administration’s performance in healthcare, education, agriculture and security.
Pate also explained his decision to withdraw from the 2027 Bauchi governorship race, saying he chose to remain in national service and support the President’s reform agenda rather than pursue his personal political ambition.
“It all comes down to the values that one holds. I think it’s important to know that public service is a privilege, whether elected or appointed,” he said.
He added that remaining in the Federal Government would allow him to contribute to national development while supporting the APC’s political efforts in Bauchi State.
