The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, Mohammed Abubakar, has reaffirmed his commitment to preserving all existing emirate councils and chiefdoms, describing traditional institutions as vital partners in governance and community development.
Abubakar, a former governor of the state, made the clarification amid reports suggesting that he planned to dissolve some of the newly established traditional institutions if elected in the 2027 governorship election.
The position was contained in a statement issued in Bauchi by Umar Ibrahim-Sade, a former Commissioner for Information and close associate of the APC candidate.
Ibrahim-Sade described the reports as false and politically motivated, alleging that they were intended to misinform the public and create unnecessary anxiety among traditional rulers and their communities.
He stressed that neither Abubakar nor the APC had issued any policy statement, campaign promise or official document proposing the abolition of emirates, chiefdoms, districts or the removal of traditional title holders.
According to him, Abubakar fully appreciates the constitutional and legal processes through which the existing traditional institutions were established and has no intention of undermining them.
He noted that traditional rulers continue to play critical roles in conflict resolution, cultural preservation, grassroots governance and the provision of local security intelligence.
Ibrahim-Sade argued that weakening such institutions would be detrimental, especially at a time when communities are grappling with security challenges, communal tensions and farmer-herder conflicts.
He added that throughout his years in public service, Abubakar had consistently demonstrated respect for due process, institutional integrity and lawful governance.
According to the statement, the former governor believes in strengthening institutions and ensuring they function effectively in support of peace, stability and development.
The APC candidate’s aide further urged political actors and stakeholders to focus public discussions ahead of the 2027 elections on issues of governance, development and policy alternatives rather than unverified claims and misinformation.
He assured residents that Abubakar’s development agenda includes reinforcing the legal and administrative structures that support traditional institutions across the state.
Bauchi State currently has 20 newly created emirate councils and a chiefdom, established by the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed from the original five emirate councils, a move aimed at bringing traditional governance closer to communities.