Yobe’s future, Bomai and the 2027 polls
Since its creation out of the former Borno State 34 years ago, Yobe State’s development indices have remained unimpressive. A mainly agricultural state, with a population of about 4.2 million on a land area of 45,502 square kilometers, it ranked 31st of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the United Nations […]
Since its creation out of the former Borno State 34 years ago, Yobe State’s development indices have remained unimpressive. A mainly agricultural state, with a population of about 4.2 million on a land area of 45,502 square kilometers, it ranked 31st of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) 2023 human development index (HDI).
Successive administrations in the state have made considerable efforts to enhance the livelihood of the people in the most fundamental areas for measuring the HDI, which include healthcare services, education and standard of living. Yet, a lot more needs to be done to catapult Yobe to the rank of the 20 medium human development performing states from its low human development status. It ranked 9th among 15 others led by Nasarawa State with a score of 0.549 (Yobe’s score is 0.439) with Kebbi State as the least with 0.366 points. At the top of the table in the high human development category of the HDI (2023) were Lagos with 0.721 and Anambra with 0.706.
While not dismissing the efforts made over time by successive governments to move Yobe forward, it is only imperative that the people take advantage of the upcoming 2027 general elections to put the state’s best foot forward in order to completely reverse the above sluggish developmental trend.
As the race for the 2027 Yobe State governorship election gathers momentum, one question that dominates political discussions across the state is: who is the right candidate for this defining moment? The contest is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and consequential in the Northeast. Among the array of potential contenders, one name continues to resonate with clarity and conviction: Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai. This is owing to Bomai’s competence, capability and character.
Of course, there is also the incontrovertible push for the shift in power to Yobe South in 2027. This is understandably so, for justice, fairness and equity. This argument too favours Bomai.
Four compelling reasons underscore why the 2027 governorship contest must, for equity and strategy, favour Yobe South. First is zoning and political balancing. Since the creation of Yobe State 34 years ago, the southern zone has produced a governor for just two years. Second is electoral strength: Yobe South commands nearly half of the state’s voting population, making it the largest and most politically active bloc. Third is political compensation: historically an opposition stronghold, Yobe South was persuaded to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023, a move that significantly boosted the party’s electoral fortunes. Fourth is meritocracy: the zone boasts some of the state’s most educated, experienced, and competent personalities.
The implications are clear: granting Yobe South the governorship ticket in 2027 is not only a matter of justice but also a path to an easy and resounding APC victory. It is also a sure path to rapid growth and development of the state.
Why Senator Bomai Fits the Moment: In identifying who can deliver that victory, Senator Bomai stands out as the choice, for his competence, compassion, and credibility. A man deeply rooted in the grassroots, Bomai’s story is one of vision, and service to humanity. From his base in Yobe South to the remotest communities across the state, his name has become synonymous with empowerment.
He has also built and maintained a political movement anchored on leadership that must translate directly into improved lives. His philanthropic reach is limitless. The most prominent are scholarships for students at home and abroad, as well as massive healthcare interventions. Of course, his weekly empowerment initiative for small businesses is also notable.
Record of Capacity and Competence: Senator Bomai’s academic and professional records set him apart as one of the most qualified public servant in Yobe’s history. A Master’s in Business Administration, fellowships of multiple professional institutes, and an impeccable public service record culminating in his appointment as Director of Treasury, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), before his election to the Senate.
Not surprisingly, when the APC’s 2023 presidential campaign team visited Yobe State, Vice President Kashim Shettima publicly commended Senator Bomai’s philanthropic nature and contributions to the party’s strength in the state. Such endorsement from the nation’s top leadership further underscores his influence and respect within the APC family.
Yobe remains a strategic stronghold for the APC, and the party must field a candidate who embodies grassroots appeal, competence, and broad-based support. Senator Bomai ticks all these boxes.
The 2027 governorship election offers Yobe State a chance to reward loyalty, strengthen unity, and advance progress. It has not just a excellent candidate in Bomai, but a visionary leader, one who combines experience with empathy, intellect with humility, and credibility with capacity. If it truly seeks to consolidate its legacy and sustain its dominance in Yobe, then it needs to pick the right person to lead the state into a new era of growth, equity, and inclusiveness.
Aliyu resides in Abuja.