FG Actions Undermining Democracy, Governance in Bauchi – Groups Allege

By Zakariyya Aliyu Gwaram

Three civil society and political advocacy groups have accused the Federal Government of actions capable of undermining democracy and good governance in Bauchi State, following the arrest, detention and prosecution of the State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Yakubu Adamu, PhD, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The allegations were made on Monday during a press conference in Bauchi, jointly organised by the Yakubun Bauchi Ambassador’s Forum, Kaura Independent Communication and Yakubu Adamu Influencers. The address was read by Daure David.

The groups described the EFCC’s actions as an abuse of legal process and a politically motivated attempt to destabilise the administration of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed. They argued that the prosecution of the Commissioner and some senior civil servants was designed to intimidate the Bauchi State Government and weaken democratic governance in the state.

According to the groups, Hon. Yakubu Adamu committed no offence, insisting that all financial decisions taken by the Ministry of Finance were in line with constitutional provisions, approved government procedures and existing financial regulations.

They further faulted what they described as the “deliberate and repeated” mention of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed’s name in the charge sheet, saying it violates Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants immunity to a sitting governor from prosecution.

The groups also dismissed allegations of terrorism financing and money laundering linked to the case, describing them as baseless, unsubstantiated and introduced to scandalise and damage reputations. They maintained that no terrorist organisation or activity had been identified and that no credible evidence had been made public.

While reaffirming support for the fight against corruption, the groups cautioned that the EFCC must operate within the bounds of the law and avoid being used as a tool for political persecution. They warned that selective application of justice could erode public trust in anti-corruption institutions and weaken democratic norms.

They expressed confidence in Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed’s leadership, citing peace, security and progress in sectors such as education, healthcare and infrastructure as evidence of good governance in Bauchi State.

Speaking at the event, Jamila Aliyu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said that although she does not share political affiliation with the organisers, she supports their position, accusing the Federal Government of selective judgment and political bias.

In a closing remark, Abdullahi Shitu of Yakubu Adamu Influencers said the press conference was aimed at amplifying the “voice of truth” in Bauchi State, stressing that residents stand with democracy regardless of political differences.

The groups called on the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to review the matter and urged the EFCC to remove the Governor’s name from all charge sheets, insisting that continued actions against the Bauchi State Government pose a threat to democracy and constitutional order.

The press conference was jointly signed by Daure David for Yakubun Bauchi Ambassador’s Forum, Abdul Rahman Prince Doze for Kaura Independent Communication, and Abdullahi Shitu for Yakubu Adamu Influencers.