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By Mustapha Saye
As Kaduna State gradually moves towards the 2027 governorship election, the emergence of Hon. Usman Shehu Bawa, popularly known as Shehu ABG, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, has introduced a new dimension to the political conversation in the state.
For his supporters, the candidature of Shehu ABG represents a pragmatic step towards repositioning Kaduna State and restoring confidence in governance through purposeful leadership, grassroots engagement and human-capital development.
Shehu ABG is not entirely new to public service. Before declaring his ambition to govern Kaduna State, he served as a Member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, giving him experience in legislative affairs and public administration. His campaign profile also highlights his background in business and community interventions.
*A Young Leader With Foresight
One of the qualities frequently associated with Shehu ABG is his emphasis on the future of young people. At a time when unemployment, skills development and economic opportunities remain major issues for Kaduna’s youthful population, his proposed agenda places considerable emphasis on youth empowerment, innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and employment.
His stated policy framework includes investment in human capital and creating opportunities for young people to acquire practical skills that can translate into sustainable livelihoods.
*A Man of Peace and Unity*
Kaduna is a state of remarkable ethnic, religious and cultural diversity. Consequently, leadership requires an approach that promotes peaceful coexistence, dialogue and inclusion.
Shehu ABG has publicly spoken about unity among political actors and the importance of bringing people together. He has also called on PDP candidates and aspirants to put differences aside and work collectively ahead of the 2027 elections.
His supporters therefore see his emphasis on unity, fairness and inclusion as an important part of his political identity.
*Humility and Good Home Training*
Beyond political positions and material accomplishments, leadership is also about character.
Shehu ABG’s public profile presents him as someone who places emphasis on humility, empathy, honesty and service. He has described humility and empathy as important personal values, while his supporters point to his upbringing and family background as foundations for his approach to public engagement.
A leader who understands the value of respect, listens to ordinary citizens and remains accessible can build stronger relationships between government and the people.
*Experience Beyond Politics*
Another important aspect of Shehu ABG’s profile is that his experience extends beyond electoral politics. His campaign profile describes experience in business, telecommunications, agriculture and consulting before and alongside his public-service career.
This combination of private-sector and public-sector exposure could inform his approach to economic development, investment, employment and institutional reform if his proposed agenda is implemented.
*A Record That Deserves Public Scrutiny*
Supporters of Shehu ABG point to interventions associated with education, ICT, healthcare, water projects and skills development as part of the record they believe demonstrates his commitment to community development. A recent rejoinder published in TheCable, for example, attributed several ICT, education, healthcare and skills-acquisition interventions to his tenure and community activities. These claims should naturally be assessed against available project records and independent evidence.
This is important because the 2027 election should ultimately be about records, programmes, character, experience and the practical solutions each candidate offers to Kaduna’s challenges.
*A Vision for a People-Centred Kaduna*
Shehu ABG’s proposed P.E.O.P.L.E. Agenda focuses on human capital, security and peace-building, infrastructure, institutional reforms and accountability, technology, economic transformation, agriculture and environmental sustainability.
He has also publicly advocated a bottom-up approach in which government responds more directly to the needs of communities at the grassroots.
For Kaduna, such an approach raises important questions that voters will need to examine closely: How will security be improved? How will jobs be created? How will education and healthcare be strengthened? How will rural communities benefit? And how will public resources be managed transparently?
*The Road to 2027*
The 2027 governorship election will provide Kaduna voters with an opportunity to examine the records, programmes, experience and character of all candidates and make an informed decision.
For Shehu ABG, the challenge will be to translate his campaign vision into clear, measurable and financially realistic commitments that address the everyday concerns of Kaduna citizens.
His supporters believe his youthfulness, business experience, legislative background, emphasis on peace and unity, humility, grassroots orientation and focus on human capital provide a foundation for a different approach to governance.
Ultimately, the people of Kaduna State will be the judges of every political promise.
Kaduna deserves leadership that listens, plans, serves and delivers.
The conversation for 2027 should therefore go beyond personalities and focus squarely on ideas, records, accountability and the future of the state.
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