2027 Guber Race: Yobe Progressive Group Pushes for Baba Malam Wali's Candidacy

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu 

A coalition of progressive indigenes from Yobe State, backed by supporters from other parts of the country, has thrown its weight behind Baba Malam Wali as the ideal candidate for the 2027 governorship election. The group believes Wali possesses the right blend of experience and vision to drive inclusive growth and administrative reform in the state.

In a statement issued by the group's coordinators,Hussaini Abdullahi , described Wali as a career public servant with decades of hands-on experience. His journey into governance began in neighboring Borno State in 1989, where he worked as a Principal Research Officer. A year later, he served as Personal Secretary to the Military Governor—a role that gave him early insight into high-level policy coordination.

Returning to Yobe State, Wali carved out a reputation within the North-East Zone Agricultural Programme (NEZAP), moving through the ranks from Term Coordinator to Deputy Programme Manager and eventually to Programme Manager.

The group also noted his extensive service in Yobe's civil service, where he held Permanent Secretary positions across multiple ministries—including Youth, Sports and Development; Transport and Energy; Environment; and Administration and General Services. According to the coalition, this cross-sectoral exposure gives him a rare, holistic understanding of the state's governance challenges.

Wali briefly served as Acting Secretary to the State Government in July 2015, before being confirmed as substantive SSG on May 29, 2019, under former Governor Ibrahim Gaidam. He was reappointed on July 17, 2019, by the current administration and continued in that role until his recent resignation. The group pointed to this continuity as evidence of the trust that successive governments have placed in his leadership.

Beyond official duties, the statement highlighted Wali's personal investment in mentoring young people and supporting their educational goals—an attribute the coalition says reflects genuine commitment to human capital development.

Describing him as a consensus figure, the group argued that Wali's deep knowledge of government machinery, combined with his reputation for transparency and efficiency, positions him to unite various interests across Yobe State. They called on political leaders, community heads, youth organizations, and the wider electorate to rally behind him.

"We see Baba Malam Wali as the link between seasoned governance experience and forward-looking leadership," the statement read. "His candidacy presents a rare chance for Yobe State to build on past gains and secure a more prosperous future."

The coalition has pledged to mobilize support across all local government areas and beyond, urging Wali to accept the call and pursue victory in the 2027 governorship election.