2027 Elections: Gombe Youth Group Urges Former RUWASSA Boss to Enter Politics

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

A youth advocacy group in Gombe State has called on AbdulRaqib Muhammad Saeed, a former General Manager of the Gombe State Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), to join partisan politics and contest for an elective position in the 2027 general elections.

The call was made by the Gombe State Youth Awareness Forum, which said Mr Saeed should seek political office from the Gombe North Senatorial District, citing his track record in public service and grassroots engagement.

The group made its position known in a statement issued in Gombe and signed by its chairman, Hon. Abubakar Sadiq, who described Mr Saeed as a technocrat with the experience and credibility needed to represent the interests of the district at the national level.

Youth demand new political leadership.

Hon. Sadiq said the appeal reflects a growing demand among young people in the state for leaders with practical governance experience, rather than career politicians with limited impact on everyday lives.

“Abdul Raqib Muhammad Saeed has demonstrated capacity, integrity, and commitment to public service, particularly during his tenure at RUWASSA, where many rural communities benefited from improved access to potable water,” Mr. Sadiq said.

He added that the group believes the 2027 elections are an opportunity for a new generation of leaders to emerge, especially those with backgrounds in administration, service delivery and community development.

“Gombe North deserves leadership that understands the real challenges of the people—water scarcity, rural infrastructure deficits, unemployment and poverty. We believe Mr Saeed fits this description and should offer himself for service,” he said.

The youth leader stressed that the call was not driven by partisan considerations but by what he described as the need for effective representation.

Background on AbdulRaqib Saeed

Mr Saeed, popularly known as Sarki Ruwan Gombe, served as General Manager of RUWASSA, the agency responsible for rural water supply and sanitation across Gombe State. During his tenure, the agency oversaw several water projects aimed at improving access to safe drinking water in underserved rural communities.

RUWASSA plays a critical role in a state where access to potable water remains a major development challenge, particularly in remote settlements across Gombe North, which comprises several rural local government areas.

According to the youth forum, Mr. Saeed’s work at the agency brought him into direct contact with grassroots communities, traditional leaders, and development partners, helping him gain firsthand knowledge of the socio-economic challenges facing rural dwellers.

“His engagement with communities was not limited to office work. He was often on the field, interacting with residents, traditional institutions and stakeholders. This is the kind of leadership the people are asking for,” Mr Sadiq said.

Gombe North and representation concerns

In recent years, the Gombe North Senatorial District has witnessed increasing agitation among youth groups and civil society organisations over what they describe as inadequate representation and a slow pace of development.

Issues such as youth unemployment, water shortages, poor road networks, and limited access to healthcare facilities remain key concerns in the district.

The Youth Awareness Forum said these challenges require leaders who understand policy implementation and have experience managing public institutions.

“We are not calling on Mr Saeed because of popularity alone. We are calling on him because governance experience matters, especially at a time when citizens are demanding accountability and results,” the statement read.

The group argued that technocrats who have managed public institutions should be encouraged to participate in electoral politics to bridge the gap between policy formulation and service delivery.

Youth mobilisation and political participation.

Hon. Sadiq said the Forum is prepared to mobilise young people across communities in Gombe North to support Mr. Saeed should he decide to contest.

He noted that youths constitute a significant portion of the voting population and are increasingly interested in leadership that reflects their aspirations.

“Young people are no longer interested in recycled politics. They want leaders who can translate policies into tangible benefits. If Mr Saeed answers this call, the youth are ready to engage constructively and support his ambition,” he said.

He also urged political parties in the state to open their platforms to professionals and technocrats with proven records in public service.

Cautious optimism, no official response yet

At the time of filing this report, Mr. Saeed had not made any public statement regarding the call by the youth group.

Efforts to reach him for comments were unsuccessful. However, the Youth Awareness Forum expressed optimism that he would consult widely with stakeholders before making a decision.

“This is not a rushed demand. We expect him to consult with elders, political leaders, and community stakeholders, as well as his family. Our role as youths is to make our position known,” Mr Sadiq said.

A growing trend of technocrats entering politics

Political analysts note that the call aligns with a broader national trend, where youth groups and civil society organisations are increasingly pushing for technocrats and professionals to participate in electoral politics.

In recent election cycles, public dissatisfaction with governance outcomes has fuelled demands for candidates with administrative competence and integrity.

Observers say that figures like Mr. Saeed, who has held senior public service positions, often enjoy credibility among communities that have directly benefited from government programs.

Balancing service and politics

However, analysts also caution that transitioning from public services to electoral politics comes with challenges, including party politics, campaign financing, and managing political alliances.

Despite these hurdles, youth groups argue that experienced administrators are better positioned to navigate governance complexities once elected.

“Politics should not be left only to career politicians. Governance experience matters, and that is why we are encouraging people like Mr Saeed to step forward,” the forum said.

Looking ahead to 2027

With the 2027 general elections still more than a year away, political activities are gradually gaining momentum across the country.

In Gombe State, several interest groups have begun positioning potential candidates, particularly in senatorial and House of Representatives races.

The Youth Awareness Forum said its call should be considered part of early engagement aimed at shaping the quality of leadership ahead of the elections.

“Our objective is not to impose on anyone but to encourage credible individuals to offer themselves for service. The final decision rests with the electorate,” Mr Sadiq added.

For now, the call on AbdulRaqib Muhammad Saeed remains one of several emerging signals of youth-driven political engagement in Gombe State, as young people seek a stronger voice in determining who represents them in 2027.