During the 5th Assembly, Hon. Farouk Mustapha made numerous positive contributions to improving the living standards of his constituents. In a time where social media was not quite in reach, only a few gave an ounce of attention to it, unlike our contemporary media space where one can easily sell as little as hatching a hen’s egg as an achievement in the office.

Those who knew him in the past salute his political sagacity. Considering his recent gubernatorial aspiration in the All Progressives Congress, Farouk’s political relevance is rooted to ward level and beyond. In 2019, for instance, Farouk became second in the most complicated senatorial election in Bauchi North, where he extended his political arms to all the nooks and crannies of the zone. Farouk’s popularity in the Katagum zone outshines that of all other political players combined together.

In Bauchi South, Farouk has the most strategic foot soldiers who are good at galvanizing support to compete with anyone. His campaign DG, Alhaji Musajo Buba, popularly known as the civilian general, is also known as a veteran in Bauchi politics; the same in Bauchi North, where Alh. Shitu Zaki, a former APC treasurer, is undoubtedly a political figure of high significance.

Farouk’s defection to the People’s Democratic Party shook the fibre of APC where some of the key officials at the state level shifted their loyalty from APC to PDP all because of Farouk. Why? Because of his immense generosity and easy-going attitude.

Another plus to Farouk’s political credentials is his spirited wife, who was dubbed a “conqueror” for her apparent commitment and full support for her husband’s political affairs. Haj. Hadiza Shekarau Omar alone can stir the election pot with the most tasteful ingredients.

I can clearly recall that before the APC gubernatorial primary election, Farouk met with all his twenty local government coordinators and designed the most strategic road map for winning the 2023 general election. As previously stated, these strategies still exist and are ready for implementation whenever revisited. In light of this, I respectfully implore Gov. Bala to have a tete-a-tete with Farouk and rub minds on the possibility of implementation of Farouk’s win-win strategies ahead of the 2023 general elections.

One of the most important tools for Gov. Bala to win the 2023 governorship election is having Farouk in his camp. With Farouk, 2023 victory is assured.

Mallam Musbahu Magayaki

Writes from Sabon Fegi, Azare

Bauchi State.