Post-detention Return Puts Yakubu Adamu At Centre of Bauchi’s 2027 Race

The return of Yakubu Adamu to active politics in Bauchi State has intensified speculation about the ruling Peoples Democratic Party’s succession plans ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Mr Adamu, a former member of the House of Representatives, recently resumed political activities following his release from detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he had been held over allegations of financial impropriety.

The anti-corruption agency has not formally charged him, and Mr Adamu has denied any wrongdoing.

His supporters claimed at the time that the detention was politically motivated, though the EFCC maintains it follows due process in all cases regardless of political affiliation.

Grassroots reception

Since his return, Mr Adamu has received what observers describe as an unusually warm reception across Bauchi State, particularly among younger voters.

“What his opponents hoped would diminish his political standing appears to have achieved the opposite effect,” said Musa Ibrahim, a political analyst based in Bauchi. “He’s being received as something of a political survivor.”

Party sources within the PDP suggest the episode has unified sections of the party that had previously been divided.

However, some stakeholders remain cautious about openly discussing succession while Governor Bala Mohammed remains in office.

2027 calculations

Mr Adamu’s name now features prominently in informal discussions about potential successors to Governor Mohammed, whose second term ends in 2027.

The governor has not publicly indicated his preferred successor, and the PDP’s internal selection process remains some time away.

“It’s far too early to speak definitively about candidacies,” said one party official who requested anonymity. “But his return has certainly changed the conversation.”

Political observers note that Mr Adamu’s support base cuts across several local government areas and appears particularly strong among youth groups and grassroots organisations.

Questions remain

However, questions persist about how the EFCC investigation might affect his political ambitions, should he choose to contest for higher office.

Nigerian electoral law does not bar individuals from contesting elections unless they have been convicted of an offence, but political opponents could seek to use ongoing investigations as campaign ammunition.

Mr Adamu has not formally declared any interest in the governorship, though those close to him suggest he is considering his options.

The PDP controls Bauchi State and won the 2023 governorship election comfortably, making its internal selection process likely to be decisive in determining the state’s next leader.