From Ahmad Saka, Bauchi
The Bakaro Dangikka Primary School Old Boys Association, Bauchi, has endorsed Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Development, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, to contest for the governorship of Bauchi State in the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was contained in a statement signed by the association's secretary, Umar Musa, and made available to journalists in Bauchi at the end of a stakeholders’ meeting held at the school premises.
In the statement titled “Why Bauchi Needs Professor Ali Pate as Governor in 2027,” the association declared its support for what it described as a "new era of purposeful and progressive leadership" in the state. It described Professor Pate as a visionary leader with proven experience, integrity, and dedication to public service.
The association highlighted Prof. Pate’s distinguished track record in public health, both in Nigeria and globally, citing his previous roles as Director-General of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Minister of State for Health, and currently as Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Development.
“His initiative to introduce free ambulance services for pregnant women nationwide, and his extensive experience in health sector reforms across Africa, the United States, and East Asia, place him ahead of any prospective contender,” the statement read.
The association also recalled that Prof. Pate graduated as a medical doctor from Ahmadu Bello University in 1990 and later served as Julio Frenk Professor of Public Health Leadership at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health in Boston, USA. In 2019, he was appointed Global Director of Health, Nutrition, and Population at the World Bank, as well as Director of the Global Financing Facility in Washington, D.C.
“Before then, he served as CEO of Big Win Philanthropy, supporting youth-centered investments across Africa. He also played a vital role in establishing and repositioning medical centres and teaching hospitals in Nigeria,” the statement added.
The association noted that Bauchi citizens are increasingly concerned about the standard of living, access to education, healthcare, agriculture, water supply, security, and job creation, stressing the need for capable leadership.
“The state needs a people-oriented executive and a vibrant legislature that can check excesses and truly represent the people. Professor Pate is the kind of leader who can provide that balance,” it stated.
Calling on Pate to heed their call, the association said: “Bauchi stands at a political crossroads. If Professor Muhammad Ali Pate accepts this call to serve, it will mark the beginning of transformational governance in the state. His candidacy represents more than just another election — it is a vision for a better Bauchi.”
They concluded by expressing hope that the Minister would accept the endorsement and declare his intention to run for office.
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