Why Continuity Matters in Bauchi

As the 2027 election looms, discussions on succession must include the critical topic of continuity. For Bauchi State, this means considering the protection of completed projects, completion of unfinished ones, and the responsible management of public resources. The question goes beyond mere political slogans and delves into whether the state can maintain and benefit from its existing investments.

Governor Bala Mohammed assumed office in May 2019, inheriting numerous abandoned and unfinished projects. His administration has since focused on completing these projects and launching new ones in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture. The state government's projects portal lists infrastructure, healthcare, education, public finance, social welfare, and economic revitalisation as key intervention areas under his leadership.

The debate over succession is thus not just about introducing new projects but about ensuring continuity and sustainable development. The question arises: what happens when governments abandon projects that have already consumed public funds? Incomplete infrastructure, such as roads, hospitals, and schools, does not only signify unfinished construction.

It translates into wasted public money, disconnected communities, delayed movement of agricultural produce, increased transportation costs, and the need for further expenditure to revive or reconstruct these projects in the future.

Continuity, therefore, is not merely about preserving a politician's legacy; it is also about safeguarding the taxpayer's money invested in development. An unfinished road is more than just an incomplete structure; it represents a loss of value for the public investment made, increased costs due to inflation, and a continued delay in providing essential services to communities.

Governor Mohammed's administration has inherited a state with numerous such projects. For instance, the Itas-Atafowa-Magarya Road, Darazo-Gafchiyari Road, and Hanafari-Jurara-Gidan Babani-Sabon Kafi-Mashema Road were all left incomplete by the previous administration. The significance of completing these projects is far-reaching, as roads connect various vital aspects of life, including farmers to markets, students to schools, and patients to hospitals.

The administration's efforts in this regard are evident. They have initiated and completed several important road projects, such as the Adamu Jumba Road, Sabon Kaura-Jos Road, and the dualisation of the Gwangwangwan-Bakaro-Kofar Dumi Road. Additionally, infrastructure projects like the Ningi Road dual carriageway, the Adamu Jumba Road, and the Gombe-Maiduguri bypass have contributed to improved connectivity across the state.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan's commendation of Governor Mohammed's infrastructure development efforts, highlighted by the commissioning of 18 township roads in Bauchi metropolis in August 2026, further underscores the importance of continuity in development. The longest state-sponsored bridge on the Itas-Gadau axis is a testament to the tangible benefits of completed infrastructure projects.

Beyond the physical structure of the bridge, it connects ten agrarian villages to four local government headquarters, facilitating movement, trade, and overall development of these areas.

In essence, the conversation around succession in Bauchi State must go beyond rhetoric and focus on ensuring continuity in development. This entails protecting completed projects, completing unfinished ones, and using public resources to deliver lasting value to the people. By doing so, Bauchi State can build on its achievements, complete what remains unfinished, and continue to use its scarce public resources to foster sustainable growth and development for its citizens.