Bauchi 2027: A Choice Between the Accused, the Suspect and the Squeaky-Clean SAN
By Malam Saadu Umar
First things first. Let us begin with the accused.
Who is an accused person? In law, an accused is a person formally charged with a criminal offence and required to answer those allegations before a court of law.
That description, according to publicly reported court proceedings, fits Yakubu Adamu “PhD”, the candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in the February 6, 2027 gubernatorial election.
One can still picture the scene: Yakubu, dressed in a white kaftan and black cap, looking sombre and subdued, surrounded by EFCC operatives as he appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja—a spectacle reportedly carried by major Nigerian media organisations.
But beyond the images and political rhetoric lies a more serious question for the people of Bauchi: what exactly are the allegations against a man seeking to govern an entire state?
According to reports by several major media organisations, including Daily Trust, ThisDay, The Nation, Premium Times, NTA, Channels Television and TVC, Yakubu is facing two separate criminal prosecutions before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
BILLIONS IN THE DOCK
In the first case, identified as FHC/ABJ/CR/694/2025, the EFCC brought charges against Yakubu and others before Justice Emeka Nwite.
The allegations concern approximately ₦5.79 billion and include accusations of money laundering and other financial crimes.
Muntaƙa Duguri and others were also named as co-defendants in the case.
These are not casual political accusations made at a campaign rally. They are allegations contained in criminal proceedings before a court of competent jurisdiction.
And that distinction matters.
THEN COMES THE TERRORISM-FINANCING ALLEGATION
The second case raises an even more disturbing set of allegations.
In FHC/ABJ/CR/705/2025, the EFCC alleges that Yakubu and others were involved in transactions involving approximately $9.7 million, allegedly belonging to Bauchi State, which was subsequently given to Bello Badejo, identified in the charge as President of Miyetti Allah.
The EFCC further alleges that the funds were used wholly or partly for terrorism financing.
The charge also contains allegations relating to money laundering, conspiracy and other offences.
These are extraordinarily grave allegations.
If proven in court, they would go far beyond ordinary financial misconduct. They would raise fundamental questions about public trust, financial accountability and the security implications of the management of public funds.
But let us be absolutely clear: an allegation is not a conviction, and Yakubu remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until the court determines otherwise.
That legal principle must be respected.
At the same time, the people of Bauchi are equally entitled to ask difficult questions before handing the keys to the Government House to anyone facing such serious criminal allegations.
FROM BANKING TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE
The question becomes even more compelling when one considers Yakubu's previous positions.
As a branch manager of Polaris Bank, he is now facing allegations arising from his previous activities, according to the EFCC's case.
Later, as Commissioner of Finance, he became embroiled in another set of allegations involving billions of naira and the management of public resources.
The issue before Bauchi voters, therefore, is not simply whether Yakubu is popular.
It is whether a man facing multiple serious criminal allegations involving public funds should be entrusted with the financial affairs of an entire state.
If the EFCC's allegations are ultimately proven, what would that say about his suitability to manage Bauchi's treasury?
That is the question voters deserve to ask.
ALLEGATIONS ARE NOT CONVICTIONS—BUT THEY CANNOT BE IGNORED
Of course, Yakubu is entitled to defend himself.
Indeed, that is precisely what the courts are there for.
But there is an important distinction between saying that an accused person is guilty and saying that the electorate has a right to scrutinise the allegations against him before voting.
The courts will determine criminal liability.
The people, however, will determine political suitability.
And those are not necessarily the same question.
A person may be legally presumed innocent while still being subjected to legitimate political scrutiny.
This is why the 2027 election cannot merely be reduced to slogans, ethnic sentiment, political mobilisation or empty campaign speeches.
Bauchi voters must examine the records, the allegations, the experience and the character of every candidate who seeks their mandate.
BAUCHI DESERVES BETTER
Bauchi is not a political experiment.
It is a state of millions of people whose future depends on responsible leadership, sound financial management, integrity and accountability.
The people deserve leaders who can inspire confidence—not leaders whose candidacy forces voters to spend precious campaign time debating criminal charges involving billions of naira and allegations of terrorism financing.
The name of Yakubun Bauchi carries historical weight. It evokes the founding of Bauchi and the values of leadership, justice and integrity that many citizens associate with the state's heritage.
That name should not become a political shield against legitimate scrutiny.
The question is therefore simple:
Should Bauchi hand the management of its treasury, security architecture and public institutions to a candidate who is currently defending serious criminal allegations before the Federal High Court?
That is not a question of hatred.
It is not persecution.
It is not political witch-hunting.
It is a question of trust.
And in a democracy, voters have every right to ask: Who can we trust with Bauchi?
Bauchi deserves a governor whose greatest burden is the responsibility of governing—not the weight of unresolved criminal allegations hanging over his political ambition.
Bauchi deserves better.
To be continued.
Saadu Umar, a lawyer, is the Chairman of the APC Publicity Committee, Bauchi State. saadumaresq@yahoo.com