Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Kashim is a lawyer, public sector reform expert and former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, with decades of experience spanning academia, privatization, economic reform and public administration. Now a Bauchi State gubernatorial candidate for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections, he speaks to MICHAEL ISOLA about his ambition, his political plan and his plans for the state.
You are running under the opposition and relatively unknown NDC. What are your chances?
Political parties do not develop societies; Visionary leadership and popular support do. The NDC offers a credible alternative for citizens who want change. Across Bauchi State, people are increasingly looking beyond partisan labels and focusing on competence, integrity and clear programmes. I am confident that our message and policies will resonate with the electorate.
What is your motivation for wanting to be the next Governor of the State?
My motivation is to provide purposeful, transparent and inclusive leadership that unlocks the enormous human and natural potential of Bauchi State. Having served the state in different capacities, I understand both the opportunities and the challenges. I oppose it because I believe Bauchi deserves a government that creates jobs, improves education and healthcare, strengthens security and restores hope. This vision is reflected in the MUQADDAS 2027 Policy Plan.
My aspiration is based on my experience in public service, my interaction with citizens across the state and my belief that Bauchi can do much better. I have seen the challenges faced by our youth, women, farmers, public officials and businesses. Instead of simply criticizing, I have developed practical political solutions contained in our sectoral plans, which is why I decided to seek the people’s mandate.
Can we take a look at his plan, if he eventually emerges as governor?
Our plan is the MUQADDAS Policy Plan 2027, built around security, economic growth, quality education, accessible healthcare, modern agriculture, civil service reform, youth and women empowerment, infrastructure, mineral resource development, Halal economy and transparent governance. This is a practical roadmap with measurable objectives designed to improve the quality of life of all citizens of Bauchi State.
What will you do differently from previous administrations in the State?
Our administration will focus on implementation, accountability and measurable results. We will diversify the economy through agriculture, mining, industrialization and investment promotion instead of relying heavily on federal appropriations. We will institutionalize transparent governance, strengthen local government administration, promote public-private partnerships, and ensure that government policies directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
How do you plan to address insecurity problems in the State (kidnappings, banditry)?
Security will be our top priority because development cannot prosper without peace. We will strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies, support community policing, deploy technology for intelligence gathering, improve logistics for security personnel and address the root causes of insecurity through job creation, education, skills development and youth empowerment. Our approach combines law enforcement with prevention.
In terms of performance, how would you rate the administration led by Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed?
Each administration has recorded achievements and also faced challenges. I recognize areas where progress has been made, particularly in infrastructure. However, significant challenges remain in poverty reduction, unemployment, education, healthcare, security and economic diversification. Rather than dwell on criticism, my goal is to offer better alternatives through practical, enforceable policies contained in our plan.
Bauchi is a public service State. What are your plans for the service?
The civil service is the backbone of government and no administration can succeed without a motivated, competent and well-paid workforce. According to the MUQADDAS Policy Plan 2027, restoring the dignity of the Bauchi State Civil Service will be one of our top priorities.
We will carry out a comprehensive review of salaries and allowances to reflect current economic realities, introduce a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and ensure regular salary reviews. We will reform the payroll system to eliminate illegal deductions, improve transparency and protect workers’ take-home pay.
We will invest heavily in capacity development by establishing the Bauchi State Public Service Training and Leadership Institute, ensuring that every public servant receives regular professional training in leadership, digital governance, public finance and service delivery. Promotions will be based on merit and supported by a transparent performance management system that rewards excellence and innovation.
We will also digitize the civil service through electronic personnel records, e-payroll, biometric verification and paperless administration to improve efficiency and eliminate leakages. In addition, we will expand worker welfare through affordable housing schemes, mortgage support, health insurance, strengthened pension administration and specific sector incentives for teachers, health workers and civil servants serving in rural communities.
Our objective is simple: to build a professional, motivated, technology-driven and people-centric public administration that delivers quality public services and restores pride to public service in Bauchi State.
We are restoring the dignity and well-being of pensioners in Bauchi State. A society that neglects its pensioners has not fulfilled its moral responsibility. Muqaddas’ vision for 2027 is clear: those who served Bauchi State with honor must retire with dignity, security and peace of mind.
Our administration will restore hope to our seniors through prompt payment of their arrears, free healthcare support and sustainable pension reforms.
Are you satisfied with the recent reforms of traditional institutions by the current administration?
Traditional institutions are vital partners in governance, peacebuilding and community development. Any reform that affects them must promote unity, preserve our rich heritage and strengthen their constitutional role. When reforms advance these goals, they deserve support. Where improvements are required, we will engage all stakeholders through dialogue, mutual respect and due process.
Is NDC a strong platform for you in Bauchi State?
Yes. The strength of a political platform ultimately comes from the people. The NDC represents a new opportunity for inclusive politics, good governance and responsible leadership. We are building a broad-based movement in all local government areas by directly engaging citizens and presenting practical solutions to the challenges facing Bauchi State. I am confident that with the support of the people, the NDC can provide the leadership Bauchi deserves.
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What are your plans for the education sector that has suffered neglect over the years?
Education is the foundation on which lasting progress, social justice and economic prosperity are built. No society can surpass the quality of education available to its children and young people. For Bauchi State, the future we seek must begin in our classrooms, our teachers, our schools and the opportunities we create for every child, boy or girl, urban or rural, privileged or vulnerable.
The vision of Muqaddas 2027 is based on the firm belief that all children in Bauchi State deserve access not only to schooling, but also to quality education that prepares them for life, leadership and productive citizenship. We are committed to building an education system that ensures: access for all children, quality teaching and learning, modern and safe school infrastructure, girls’ education and inclusion, skills for employment and entrepreneurship, transparent and accountable financing.
The quality of any educational system can never exceed the quality of its teachers.
A Muqaddas administration will: recruit 10,000 qualified teachers in five years, prioritize mathematics, English, science, ICT and technical subjects, establish continuous teacher training and retraining programmes, introduce incentives for teachers targeted at rural communities, strengthen school monitoring, supervision and inspection.
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