AHMED SHU’AIBU is a Bauchi based political titan who holds the credit of being among the founding fathers of All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014.
He was first instrumental to the establishment and sustenance of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Bauchi State before the mega-merger.
He has been an active player, a kingmaker and household name in Bauchi State who has nurtured several young Turks to political maturity and relevance.
He was active in the 2023 Presidential Campaign Team of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu but now feels marginalized by certain forces within the system.
In this interview with thegazellenews.com’s correspondent, he expressed his feelings on alleged marginalisation from the APC team in Bauchi
Q: The administrative style of President Tinubu
A: With all honesty, Mr. President is putting his best for the good of Nigeria. He is not the sleeping type for blame. He has a commendable working team supporting his laudable policies to fruition. I cannot enumerate his achievements now for any doubting Thomas. Time shall come when we shall speak out at the campaigns to support our claims with facts.
Q: Allegation of marginalizing other regions
A: Whosoever is making such allegation is not in touch with facts or being mischievous. There is no region marginalized in appointments or infrastructure provision from my own analysis. For instance, Bauchi State has two serving cabinet Ministers and other appointments. Work had started at Kolmani valley for crude oil exploration apart from other services. Where is the alleged marginalization?
Opposition and social critics are at liberty to assess performance of the administration but not to twist facts for mischievous reasons. We are all living in Nigeria. We are monitoring every action of government as members of the ruling party and political associates of the President.
Q: There are more of the President’s tribal folk in key positions
A: What were you expecting? Were you expecting the President to appoint those that can disappoint him as his predecessor erroneously did? The President has to entrust certain critical responsibilities to those he tested and has confidence in their loyalty and performing ability. There are sensitive positions that must be handled by those tested and trusted. So if Mr. President entrusts such positions to those he trusts, there’s nothing wrong with that. The end justifies the means. The goal is performance, and they are performing to satisfaction.
Q: Any position in Government?
A: Without regret or grievance, I have been pushed to the group of those marginalized by certain forces within the system. As a chartered Accountant by profession and an active political player with almost 30 years cognate experience on the political field, I keep on wondering why I am treated as a leper in the party I co-founded and worked assiduously for its victory in 2015 and 2023? I have not relaxed on my oars since the 2023 presidential victory. I hosted several meetings in support of the Tinubu presidency. I have been reaching the remotest parts of Northern Nigeria on my personal sponsorship seeking support for the president as my continuous contribution, but I am still not ‘eligible’ for any appointment by the very government I co-founded.
Q: Is the President aware?
A: President Tinubu’s government is our government. It’s not everything positive done that should be to his knowledge. It is our responsibility to stabilize the government for effective service delivery. I made several efforts to reach Mr. President to discuss issues of great importance, but my efforts were always thwarted by certain forces that are steadily pushing us out of the system we founded.
Q: Defection as an option?
A: I have been approached thrice by other parties for discussion, but I politely turned down their requests until I form convincing reason on why I should defect from APC. Mind you, I wasn’t a captured slave to the APC. I was a founding member. Surprisingly, even those opposition members that gave us a bloody nose in 2023 are now part of the government while those of us that suffered the brunt, have been abandoned and treated like orphans in the party. We have a way out.
Q: Preferred Bauchi Gubernatorial Candidate
A: So far, there are three aspirants for the gubernatorial seat to my knowledge. There is the former Governor, M.A Abubakar SAN, Sen. Shehu Buba Umar and I think, there is Prof Ali Pate as rumored. The three are credible and there may be more as time goes.
Q: What of Maitama Tugga, Nura Manu-Soro and Bala Wunti?
A: As for Maitama Tugga, I was reliably informed that he may not contest. I don’t know of Nura Manu-Soro and Bala Wunti. I have met with some of the aspirants, and advised them accordingly.
Q: Are you for zoning of elective offices?
A: I am not against rotation of elective offices if it is the best option for our unity.
Q: Any interest for contest?
A: I am yet to make up my mind on whether to join any of the races or not. But for now, I am more concerned with rescuing my political future based on how we are treated in our party APC. I have to know of my stand in the APC. Once I form an opinion, I would let the world know.
Q: APC planning to rig elections?
A: That’s a wishful thinking out of fear. I don’t think any right thinking person will plan to rig the 2027 elections because the country is already tense. Lingering insecurity is our serious challenge for now. Anyone that tries to rig any election in 2027 must be satanic. APC is planning a clean and clear holistic victory but not rigging. Nigerians will be all out to protect and defend their votes. Forget about any rigging plan as alleged. That is a folktale!
