Political stakeholders in Bauchi State have called on former senior officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Dr. Bala Wunti, to contest the 2027 governorship election.
The appeal was made on Sunday during a “call to serve” forum, which brought together prominent figures from across the state, including politicians, community leaders, professionals, women and youth groups, artisans, and persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the gathering, elder statesman Mu’azu Tarkunya described Wunti as a competent and experienced technocrat capable of transforming Bauchi into a leading oil-producing state.
“At the first instance, Bala Wunti, alongside the late NNPC GMD, Maikanti Baru, was at the centre of the Kolmani oil exploration in Bauchi and other northern states. His vast energy, knowledge, and experience are needed in Bauchi now more than ever,” Tarkunya said.
Also lending his voice, former Chairman of Katagum Local Government, Muhammad Hassan, said entrusting leadership to an oil and energy expert at this critical moment would be a strategic move.
“Our state’s oil, if properly harnessed, will drive more revenue, create employment for our youth, and accelerate infrastructural development,” Hassan stressed.
Reading from a communiqué, Liman Bello urged Wunti to contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that the decision followed extensive consultations.
The communiqué stated:
“That Dr. Bala Wunti should, as a matter of urgency, answer the overwhelming call of the good people of Bauchi State to come and contest the governorship seat.
That Dr. Bala should contest under the auspices of the APC and agree to salvage the state by addressing the problems in education, health, agriculture, and the economy.
It is the general opinion of the forum that Dr. Bala is the most qualified and capable person to tackle the challenges bedevilling the state.”
Wunti, who retired as Chief Health, Safety and Environment Officer of the NNPCL, played a pivotal role in the Kolmani oil exploration project in Bauchi and other northern states before his retirement.
Stakeholders at the forum expressed confidence that he would heed the call, describing him as a humble, philanthropic, and development-driven leader whose leadership could meet the yearnings of Bauchi citizens.
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