By Segun Adewale in Bauchi
The immediate past Secretary to the Bauchi State Government (SSG) and governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Barr. Ibrahim Kashim, has joined the 2027 guber race under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Kashim, while speaking during an interaction with the journalists on Monday, 20 April, 2026, said that it is a disheartening narration to have Bauchi state among the poorest states with its enormous natural and human resources.
Kashim, a former Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), said that only a homegrown industrial revolution that are capable of reviving moribund industries such as: Steyr Automobile Assembly Company, Fertiliser Blending Company, Allind Cables and Wires, Bauchi Meat Factory and others to drive development at the grassroots.
According to him, Bauchi State is one of the states with largest producers of rice, tomatoes, peppers and other produce. Saying that, during his time in office in the administration of Bala Mohammed before tendering his resignation, said that he drafted several legislations that resulted in improved internally generated revenue (IGR), establishment of infrastructure maintenance agency and others.
Speaking on politics and his choice of SDP as party, Kashim explained that he was happy to have left the PDP before it “exploded”. “We are happy to have knowledgeable electorate in Bauchi State who don’t vote for big parties but credible candidates across different political parties.
“We have seen it happen in the past and it will still occur. Our people know who they want and they know how to pick their preferred candidates, even from the so-called minor parties.”
Speaking on the defection plan of the Governor and others from the PDP, Kashim said that “they are welcome to join our party ideology. We have a people-oriented ideology and we believe we will make changes when we get to power.
“Of course, they’re free to join us, I can’t stop people from coming to our party, but I know I’m not stepping down for anyone. We will go for the primary and I’m confident of winning the ticket.”
Speaking on his relationship with his former principal, Bala Mohammed, Kashim said that he respects the Governor for giving him the opportunity to serve as the Director General of the Bauchi State Bureau of Public Enterprise and Privatisation.
“This is the man who called me to work as the Secretary to the Government. We have a good relationship but not a political relationship.
“When I decided to contest the gubernatorial ticket, I wrote to him. He also visited us when I lost my father last month,” he said.
Reacting to allegations on corruption cases while he was in office, Kashim challenged anyone to prove that he mismanaged Public funds. He explained that there has never been a time he was probed, faced panel of inquiry or charged to a court of law during and after position as SSG.
“What people don’t know is that a Secretary to the Government (SSG) doesn’t not have power to approve or spend a kobo without the knowledge of the Governor. I have never touched any money that belong to Government,” he said.
