By Gambo Hamza

True leaders are not made overnight. They are tested in the furnace of responsibility and refined through years of dedicated service.

This holds true for Mal. Musa Umar Yashi, the indomitable, energetic, diligent and steadfast Executive Director of Humanitarian Affairs at the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

A man of great honour and integrity, an internationally recognised humanitarian icon and a consummate administrator, Mal. Yashi can be described as the ideal game changer—a beacon of hope, a transformative figure and a people-centred leader the people have been waiting for as the next Governor of Bauchi State .

His unwavering commitment to the plight and welfare of the downtrodden sets him apart as a visionary leader, grassroots advocate and the voice of the voiceless.

At the NEDC, he assumed office at a critical time when the region was grappling with a dire humanitarian crisis. Millions had been displaced from their ancestral homes and communities, while property and infrastructure worth billions of naira were destroyed.

But through his pragmatic and visionary leadership, the Commission successfully implemented a series of humanitarian interventions, rebuilt critical social infrastructure, and empowered thousands through vocational training and small business support initiatives.

He played a key role in bringing the situation under control and reshaping the narrative—from a region plagued by socio-economic instability to one of growth and prosperity—sparking renewed optimism among the people.

He has not only brought relief and renewed hope to displaced and vulnerable communities, but has also positioned the NEDC as a model of responsive humanitarian coordination and service delivery.

As a development strategist and humanitarian icon of international repute, Mal. Yashi also expanded the NEDC’s scope of operations making it a household name across the country.

As the political contest for the 2027 elections gathers momentum across Nigeria, the winds of political realignment are also blowing through Bauchi State. Several aspirants from various political platforms are preparing to throw their hats into the ring.

In states such as Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Lagos, Oyo, Kwara, and Imo, the contests are expected to be intense as their incumbent governors complete their second terms in 2027, leaving the field open to new contenders.

In Bauchi, all eyes are on who will succeed Governor Bala Mohammed, with the major contest expected between candidates of the PDP and APC.

Given the underwhelming performance of the PDP-led administration — widely criticised for mismanagement and maladministration — the path appears increasingly clear for the APC to take the lead. Political analysts believe that the APC, whose growth and solid structure in the state have been significantly shaped by the efforts of leaders like Musa Umar Yashi, is the party best positioned to bring about the much-needed transformation.

Mal. Yashi has invested considerable time, energy and resources into building the party structure at all levels and supporting campaign activities across Bauchi State over the years.

It is therefore the hope and expectation of many that a credible and widely accepted leader like Musa Umar Yashi — equipped with the necessary experience and grassroots appeal — will emerge to lead the state toward lasting progress.

He has carved a niche for himself as a true servant of the people and, by every measure, deserves the support, encouragement, and endorsement of the people to continue his tireless efforts in alleviating hardship and driving development.

The 2027 election should be a time to reward Mal. Yashi for his selfless service and sacrifice to the people and the state.

What sets him apart is not just administrative competence, but also his profound understanding of complex issues and his genuine empathy for those he serves.

There is no doubt that his leadership in coordinating multi-sectoral humanitarian responses has been invaluable. His performance is a compelling testament to what capable and compassionate leadership can achieve — especially in crisis-prone regions.

We earnestly pray that the good people of Bauchi State will give him the opportunity to replicate these achievements as the next Chief Executive of Bauchi State in 2027.

As the popular saying now goes in Bauchi: “Mal Yashi is one of us — and for all of us .”

Mal. Gambo Hamza can be reached at : gambohamz@gmail.com