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, privatisation, economic reform and public administration. Now the Bauchi State gubernatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections, he speaks with ISHOLA MICHAEL about his ambition, policy blueprint and plans for the state.
You are contesting under the opposition and relatively unknown NDC. What are your chances?
Political parties do not develop societies; visionary leadership and the support of the people do. The NDC offers a credible alternative for citizens who desire change. Across Bauchi State, people are increasingly looking beyond party labels and focusing on competence, integrity and clear programmes. I am confident that our message and our policies will resonate with the electorate.
What is your motivation to want to be the next Governor of the State?
My motivation is to provide purposeful, transparent and inclusive leadership that will unlock Bauchi State’s enormous human and natural potential. Having served the state in different capacities, I understand both the opportunities and the challenges. I am contesting because I believe Bauchi deserves a government that creates jobs, improves education and healthcare, strengthens security and restores hope. This vision is captured in the MUQADDAS 2027 Policy Blueprint.
My aspiration is informed by my experience in public service, my interaction with citizens across the state, and my conviction that Bauchi can do much better. I have seen the challenges facing our youths, women, farmers, civil servants and businesses. Rather than merely criticize, I have developed practical policy solutions contained in our sectoral blueprints, which is why I decided to seek the mandate of the people.
Can we have a looked at your blueprint, if you eventually emerge governor?
Our blueprint is the MUQADDAS 2027 Policy Blueprint, built around security, economic growth, quality education, accessible healthcare, modern agriculture, civil service reform, youth and women empowerment, infrastructure, mineral resource development, the Halal Economy, and transparent governance. It is a practical roadmap with measurable targets designed to improve the quality of life of every citizen 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 shall diversify the economy through agriculture, mining, industrialization and investment promotion instead of relying largely on federal allocations. 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 intend to tackle issues of insecurity in the State (kidnapping, banditry)?
Security will be our highest priority because development cannot thrive without peace. We shall 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 enforcement with prevention.
In terms of performance, how will you rate the Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed-led administration?
Every administration has recorded achievements and also faced challenges. I acknowledge 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 focus is to offer better alternatives through practical and implementable policies contained in our blueprint.
Bauchi is a civil 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-remunerated workforce. Under the MUQADDAS 2027 Policy Blueprint, restoring the dignity of the Bauchi State Civil Service will be one of our top priorities.
We shall undertake a comprehensive review of salaries and allowances to reflect current economic realities, introduce a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), and ensure periodic 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 building by establishing the Bauchi State Public Service Training and Leadership Institute, ensuring every civil servant receives regular professional training in leadership, digital governance, public finance and service delivery. Promotions will be merit-based, supported by a transparent performance management system that rewards excellence and innovation.
We shall also digitise 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 workers’ welfare through affordable housing schemes, mortgage support, health insurance, strengthened pension administration and sector-specific incentives for teachers, healthcare workers and officers serving in rural communities.
Our goal is simple: to build a professional, motivated, technology-driven and people-centred civil service that delivers quality public services and restores pride to public service in Bauchi State.
We are restoring dignity and Welfare for Pensioners in Bauchi State. A society that neglects its pensioners has failed its moral responsibility. The Muqaddas 2027 vision is clear, those who served Bauchi State with honour must retire with dignity, security and peace of mind.
Our administration will restore hope to our senior citizens through prompt payment of arrears, free healthcare support, and sustainable pension reforms.
Are you satisfied with the recent reforms of the traditional institutions by the present administration?
Traditional institutions are vital partners in governance, peacebuilding and community development. Any reform affecting them should promote unity, preserve our rich heritage and strengthen their constitutional role. Where reforms advance these objectives, they deserve support. Where improvements are required, we shall 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 fresh opportunity for inclusive politics, good governance and accountable leadership. We are building a broad-based movement across all local government areas by engaging citizens directly 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 which has suffered neglect over the years?
Education is the foundation upon which enduring progress, social justice, and economic prosperity are built. No society can rise above the quality of education available to its children and youth. 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 Muqaddas 2027 vision is anchored on the firm belief that every child in Bauchi State deserves access not only to schooling, but to quality education that prepares them for life, leadership, and productive citizenship. We are committed to building an education system that guarantees: access for every child, quality teaching and learning, modern and safe school infrastructure, girl-child education and inclusion, skills for employment and entrepreneurship, transparent and accountable funding.
The quality of any education system can never rise above the quality of its teachers.
A Muqaddas administration shall: recruit 10,000 qualified teachers over five years, prioritise Mathematics, English, Science, ICT and technical subjects, establish continuous teacher training and retraining programmes, introduce incentives for teachers posted to rural communities, strengthen monitoring, supervision and school inspection.
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