Ex-Bauchi SSG defects to SDP, announces governorship run for 2027

The immediate past Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, Ibrahim Kashim, has officially joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and declared his intention to run for governor in the 2027 election.

Kashim, who stepped down from Governor Bala Mohammed’s cabinet in December 2024 after a directive from the governor, had already left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in July 2025.

He made the announcement on Sunday during a media interaction with journalists in Bauchi.

According to the former SSG, his decision to enter the governorship race stems from concerns about slow development in agriculture, education, and poverty reduction. He stated that his years in public office have given him the necessary experience to push through reforms that would enhance governance and raise living standards.

When asked what he would do differently if elected, Kashim insisted that reforms must be based on laws and structured processes, not random decisions.

“Reform in a society and in governance has to be done not on a whimsical basis. It has to be guided by laws and proper processes,” he said.

He acknowledged that not every problem can be solved at once, but argued that steady and well-planned policies could bring significant improvement to the state.

Explaining his move to the SDP, Kashim described the party as historically significant, noting that its relevance has not faded even though it has won few elections recently.

“The SDP is an old party. It was the platform on which Moshood Abiola won the election. The fact that it has not produced many elected candidates in recent times does not mean it lacks structure,” he said.

He added that the SDP already has functioning structures across Bauchi State  at the ward, local government, and state levels and that members have been working to strengthen its grassroots presence.

Kashim expressed confidence that Bauchi voters are independent-minded and tend to prioritise competence over party loyalty. He pointed to the state’s political history, where credibility has often mattered more than party dominance.

He also invited members of the PDP, APC, and other parties to join the SDP, describing the move as part of a shared effort to reposition the state for better governance.

He reiterated that his ambition is motivated by a genuine desire to drive development and improve the welfare of the people, and said he believes voters will support him in the 2027 election.