Calls Mount for Baba Malam Wali to Join Yobe 2027 Gubernatorial Race
By Sunday Godwin
A coalition of progressive indigenes of Yobe State and supporters from outside the state has intensified calls for the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali, to formally declare interest in the 2027 governorship race.
The group, in a statement made available to journalists, said growing public confidence in Wali’s administrative background and human development focus has made him a preferred figure in emerging political discussions ahead of the next general elections.
It described him as a seasoned administrator whose decades of service across Borno and Yobe States reflect institutional depth, policy experience and governance stability.
According to the statement, Wali began his public service career in Borno State as a Principal Research Officer in 1989 and later served as Personal Secretary to the Military Governor in 1990, gaining early exposure to top-level administrative processes.
The group noted that in Yobe State, he held multiple strategic positions under the North-East Zone Agricultural Programme (NEZAP), rising through the ranks as Term Coordinator, Deputy Programme Manager and Programme Manager.
It added that he also served as Permanent Secretary in several ministries, including Youth, Sports and Development; Transport and Energy; Environment; and Administration and General Services, where he was involved in key policy coordination and implementation.
The statement further highlighted his brief role as Acting Secretary to the State Government in July 2015, and his later appointment as substantive Secretary to the State Government on May 29, 2019, under former Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam.
It also recalled his reappointment by Gov. Mai Mala Buni on July 17, 2019, noting that he remained in office until his recent resignation, which the group said reflected sustained trust in his administrative capacity across different administrations.
Beyond his official responsibilities, the coalition stressed that Wali has consistently supported youth educational advancement, personally encouraging and mentoring young people in their academic and professional pursuits.
It argued that this attribute distinguishes him as a public servant with a strong social orientation, capable of linking governance with grassroots development needs.
The group said increasing consultations among stakeholders indicate that many communities view Wali as a unifying figure who could provide experienced leadership at a critical moment in the state’s political evolution.
It urged him to heed what it described as a growing public call to service, adding that his participation in the 2027 governorship contest would enrich democratic choice and strengthen governance discourse in Yobe State.
