Abuja/Bauchi, NIGERIA — The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has officially announced his withdrawal from the 2027 Bauchi State governorship race.
In a 10-minute video message delivered in Hausa on Monday, Pate revealed that after “deep reflection and wide consultations,” he has decided to prioritize his ongoing national service over his personal political aspirations.
Pate, who has contested for the Bauchi governorship three times previously without securing the party ticket, stated that he still has significant contributions to make toward Nigeria’s development and the progress of the North at the federal level.
Okay News reports that his withdrawal comes at a time when the APC is pushing for “Absolute Clarity” in its 2027 tickets, following the recent Gombe consensus dispute and Peter Obi’s exit from the ADC. Despite stepping down, Pate pledged to remain a kingmaker in Bauchi, promising to support “credible and capable” candidates who prioritize the people over self-centered interests.
The Minister urged other aspirants to emulate his discipline, noting that if he could set aside his ambition for the sake of party unity, others should be able to do the same. This move is seen as a strategic boost for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi, as it reduces internal friction ahead of the May 30 primary deadline. Pate emphasized that he would work tirelessly to ensure an APC victory across all levels in the state, while redoubling his efforts in the health sector—where the federal government recently announced that no major strikes have disrupted the sector in two years.
