Yobe 2027: Youth Group Backs Ex-SSG Wali for Governor, Citing Experience and Strategic Continuity

By Sa’adatu MAINA, Damaturu

In a calculated political maneuver aimed at ensuring governance continuity and stability, the Yobe Youth Forum has officially endorsed Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), as its consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election. The endorsement, announced Thursday at the NUJ Press Centre in Damaturu, signals a deliberate shift by the state’s youth toward prioritizing seasoned administrative expertise over untested contenders.

Why Experience Matters: The Strategic Rationale Behind the Endorsement

Addressing journalists, forum chairman Dr. Mohammed Alkali Dilala made it clear that the group is not merely following a popular wave but making a strategic choice rooted in pragmatism. He emphasized that Wali’s deep experience in governance—having served as SSG—aligns perfectly with the developmental blueprint laid down by Governor Mai Mala Buni. Rather than dwelling on loyalty to the governor, Dilala framed the decision as a practical calculation: “We need someone who already understands the machinery of government from day one. That is Baba Malam Wali.”

This endorsement underscores a critical lesson in political leadership: the difference between a candidate who requires months to learn the ropes and one who can hit the ground running. For a state like Yobe, which has faced significant challenges in infrastructure, education, and security, the ability to maintain momentum in ongoing projects is paramount. Wali’s tenure as SSG gave him firsthand insight into policy implementation, budget execution, and inter-agency coordination—skills that cannot be acquired overnight.

Youth Inclusion and Empowerment: A Core Pillar of the Decision

The forum explicitly linked its support to sustained youth inclusion, empowerment, and the consolidation of ongoing projects. This is not merely a symbolic gesture; it reflects a broader demand among Yobe’s youth for tangible benefits from governance. By backing a candidate with proven administrative capacity, the forum hopes to ensure that youth-focused initiatives—such as skills training, entrepreneurship grants, and educational scholarships—continue without disruption.

For example, under Governor Buni’s administration, several youth empowerment programs were launched, including the Yobe State Youth Empowerment Scheme (YOBYES). A new governor unfamiliar with these programs could risk delays or mismanagement. Wali’s familiarity with these initiatives offers a guarantee of continuity, which is why the youth forum sees him as the safest bet.

Political Implications: Pressure on the APC and the 2027 Landscape

While other aspirants have remained quiet, the forum’s stance puts significant pressure on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to consider a consensus arrangement that rewards experience and expertise. In a state where the APC dominates, internal party dynamics often determine the eventual candidate. The youth forum’s endorsement could serve as a catalyst for other interest groups—such as women’s associations, professional bodies, and traditional rulers—to rally behind Wali, creating a groundswell of support that party leaders cannot ignore.

Dilala concluded that Yobe youths are ready to defend their choice at the polls, stating that the group is “mobilised, united, and prepared to deliver decisive votes.” This is not an idle threat. With over 60% of Yobe’s population under the age of 30, the youth vote is a formidable force. If the APC fails to heed this endorsement, it risks alienating a critical voting bloc, potentially opening the door for opposition parties to make inroads.

Practical Example: The Cost of Inexperience in Governance

To understand why experience matters, consider the case of a neighboring state where a newly elected governor with no prior administrative experience spent the first 18 months of his tenure reorganizing the civil service and learning budget processes. During that time, critical infrastructure projects stalled, and youth empowerment programs were put on hold. The result was widespread frustration and a loss of public trust. By contrast, a candidate like Wali, who has already navigated the complexities of state governance, can avoid such pitfalls.

Looking Ahead: A Campaign Built on Experience Over Experimentation

The 2027 election is still over a year away, but this endorsement has already set the tone for a campaign built on experience over experimentation. As other aspirants begin to emerge, the debate will likely center on whether Yobe needs a fresh face or a steady hand. The youth forum has made its position clear: in a state still recovering from the scars of insurgency and economic hardship, stability and competence are non-negotiable.

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