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.

ADC Launches Nationwide Mobilisation in Gombe, Pledges a People-Driven Rescue Agenda Ahead of 2027

By Auwal Ahmad  Umar

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has commenced an intensive grassroots mobilisation in Gombe State, signalling what party leaders describe as a decisive push to reposition the party as a credible alternative ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections.

At the centre of the renewed drive is Muhammad Jibiri Barde, a chieftain of the party. He says the ADC is providing the political platform for a nationwide movement aimed at rescuing the country from deepening insecurity, economic hardship, and the steady collapse of public institutions.

Speaking during an interactive session with party members and supporters in Gombe, Mr. Barde said the mobilisation marks a critical phase in the evolution of the ADC, as it moves from consolidation to active political engagement at the grassroots level.

According to him, the party is now fully hosting a broad-based political movement known as Sabo Ta Fiya—loosely translated as “a fresh beginning”—which has, over the past year, quietly spread across states and regions, drawing support from politicians, professionals and citizens disillusioned with the country’s prevailing governance trajectory.

“ADC today is not just another political party,” Mr Barde said. “It is the vehicle for a rescue movement that has been building momentum across Nigeria. People are tired of excuses, tired of recycled promises, and tired of leadership that feels distant from their daily struggles.”

A Movement Finds a Political Home

Mr Barde explained that Sabo Ta Fiya began as a loose coalition of reform-minded political actors and civic stakeholders concerned about the direction of the country. Over time, he said, the movement found a more stable and structured home within the ADC, which now serves as its official political platform.

He noted that the movement enjoys the backing of several high-profile figures, including a former vice-president, former governors, ex-ministers and other influential stakeholders, though he declined to name individuals.

“What unites us is not ambition for office, but a shared belief that Nigeria can and must do better,” he said. “We have people who have served at the highest levels of government and who understand where things went wrong. They are now willing to be part of a genuine effort to correct course.”

The ADC, he said, has already issued official circulars outlining a nationwide timetable of activities designed to strengthen party structures and expand membership.

These activities include membership registration and revalidation exercises, as well as congresses scheduled to begin at the unit level and progress through wards, local government areas and states by the end of January. A non-elective national convention is also planned for February.

Mr Barde described the timeline as deliberate and strategic, saying it reflects the party’s intention to build from the bottom up rather than impose leadership or candidates from the top.

“This is about rebuilding trust in the political process,” he said. “We want members to feel a sense of ownership, from the polling unit to the national level.”

A call to Party Members and Supporters

Speaking to ADC members in Gombe State, Mr. Barde urged them to fully embrace the revalidation exercise and take responsibility for mobilising new members at the community level.

He said the success of the party’s rescue agenda depends largely on the commitment of ordinary members rather than elite endorsements.

“This is the moment for all of us to return home,” he said. “Return to the party, strengthen its structures and help build something that truly belongs to the people, not a few powerful individuals.”

He added that Gombe State holds strategic importance for the ADC’s broader plans in the Northeast, noting that the region has borne a disproportionate share of the country’s insecurity and economic decline.

“For us, Gombe is not just another state,” he said. “It represents resilience, potential and the urgent need for leadership that listens.”

Emphasis on Internal Democracy

A recurring theme in Mr Barde’s remarks was the party’s emphasis on internal democracy and inclusiveness, which he described as the ADC’s defining values.

According to him, the party operates on a strict principle of “one man, one vote”, with clear rules designed to prevent imposition, godfatherism and the marginalisation of ordinary members.

“This is not a party where decisions are taken in secret rooms,” he said. “There is no imposition. Every member has a voice, and every vote counts.”

He stressed that new members are not treated as outsiders or political tools but as equal stakeholders in the party’s future.

“Whether you joined yesterday or ten years ago, you are welcomed as a VIP,” he said. “What matters is your willingness to contribute to the collective effort of saving and repositioning the country.”

Unity and Factionalisation Claims

Responding to reports of internal divisions within the ADC in Gombe State, Mr. Barde dismisses claims of factionalization, insisting that the party remains united and focused.

“We are not aware of any faction in Gombe,” he said. “What we have are healthy conversations and growing interest, which some people may misinterpret as division.”

He added that the party’s leadership is committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and established internal mechanisms, rather than public confrontation.

“Our strength lies in our unity,” he said. “We are united, committed and determined—not just to rescue Gombe State, but to contribute meaningfully to rescuing Nigeria as a whole.”

A Grim Assessment of Governance

Mr. Barde took the occasion to deliver a scathing assessment of the current state of governance in Nigeria, citing worsening insecurity, decaying infrastructure, and the decline of critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and trade.

He said insecurity has become a defining feature of daily life for many Nigerians, with communities living in fear of bandits, insurgencies, and violent crime.

“In too many parts of the country, people go to sleep uncertain of what the next day will bring,” he said. “This is abnormal, and we should reject it.”

He also pointed out the poor state of infrastructure, describing roads, power supplies, and water systems as grossly inadequate for a country of Nigeria’s size and ambition.

“Our infrastructure is collapsing, yet year after year, budgets are passed with little to show on the ground,” he said.

Strain on Ordinary Citizens

Mr. Barde asserts that policy failures, rising costs, and weak institutions are disproportionately impacting ordinary citizens and small-scale traders.

Markets are struggling, small businesses are closing, and young people are becoming increasingly disconnected from economic opportunities, according to him.

He stated, “People desire employment, yet the system works against them.” “Traders are overburdened, farmers are insecure, and young graduates are trapped between unemployment and underemployment.”

He argued that public institutions, which should serve as engines of development, have instead become symbols of inefficiency and frustration.

“Our hospitals lack basic equipment, our schools are underfunded, and our public offices are slow and unresponsive,” he said. “This level of neglect is unacceptable.”

ADC’s Vision for Gombe and Nigeria

Against this backdrop, Mr. Barde outlined what he described as the ADC’s people-centered vision for Gombe State and the country at large.

He said the party is committed to leadership that prioritises security, economic productivity, and social welfare and has policies designed to deliver tangible improvements rather than slogans.

“ADC stands for purposeful leadership,” he said. “Leadership that guarantees equal opportunity, quality education, functional healthcare and a productive economy for all.”

He added that agriculture, trade, and small-scale enterprises would be central to the party’s economic agenda, particularly in states like Gombe, where livelihoods depend heavily on these sectors.

“We believe that if you secure communities and support farmers and traders, you unlock growth,” he said. “Development does not happen in isolation—it starts with people.”

Looking Ahead to the Elections

With mobilisation underway, Mr. Barde said the ADC is positioning itself for sustained engagement ahead of the next general elections.

He stressed that the party’s focus is not merely on winning elections but on rebuilding confidence in democratic governance.

“Nigerians deserve a real choice,” he said. “A choice built on accountability, competence and inclusive governance, not empty promises.”

He acknowledged that the task ahead is difficult, given the dominance of established political parties, but insisted that the growing appetite for change gives the ADC a unique opportunity.

“History shows that when people come together around a clear purpose, change becomes inevitable,” he said.

As the interactive session drew to a close, party members in attendance echoed Mr. Barde’s call for grassroots engagement, with several pledging to take the mobilisation drive back to their wards and communities.

For the ADC, the coming months will test whether its rescue rhetoric can translate into organisational numbers and influence on the ground. For now, the party appears determined to make its case—starting from Gombe and extending across the country—that Nigeria’s political future does not have to look like its troubled present.