A coalition of women under the aegis of Women Coalition for Sustainable Peace and Viable Democratic Gains in Bauchi State has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and other stakeholders to ensure that the 2027 governorship process in the State reflects the will of the people.

The coalition also advocated the emergence of a credible female deputy governorship candidate to strengthen gender inclusion and democratic participation in the state.

The National Coordinator of the group, Hajiya Addaji Muhammad, made this appeal in an open letter addressed to President Tinubu and APC leaders at national and state levels, copies of which were made available to journalists in Bauchi.

She said Bauchi State deserved leadership capable of restoring public confidence, promoting peace, and creating opportunities for women and youths.

“As women advocating inclusive governance and sustainable democratic participation, we strongly recommend the emergence of a competent and credible female deputy governorship candidate,” she said.

According to her, sustainable political victories can only be achieved through fairness, inclusiveness, justice, and popular acceptance rather than imposition.

The coalition noted that findings from its consultations and political viability studies across Bauchi State indicated that residents were yearning for meaningful change and credible leadership.

The group lamented what it described as inadequate democratic dividends in the state, particularly affecting women and youths through unemployment, weak social support systems, and limited empowerment opportunities.

Addaji said the coalition’s assessment identified Senator Shehu Buba Umar as a political figure enjoying wide grassroots acceptance due to his interventions in youth and women empowerment as well as community engagement.

“Based on the outcome of our political viability assessment, we strongly believe that Senator Shehu Buba Umar presently represents the most acceptable and promising option among the various aspirants across party lines,” she stated.

The coalition urged political leaders to uphold democratic fairness and respect the wishes of the people in determining the future leadership of Bauchi State.