By Akanji Alowolodu
A veteran politician from Bauchi State, Dr. Ibrahim Muhammadu Baba Waziri, has declared his intention to contest for the presidential ticket of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a world press conference held in Bauchi on Friday, Waziri said his ambition was driven by the need to rescue Nigeria from rising debt, poverty, and insecurity.
“My fellow Nigerians, today I stand before you not just as a candidate, but as a citizen who believes deeply and unwaveringly in the promise of this great nation. Nigeria stands at a crossroads,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria is blessed with enormous human and natural resources but continues to suffer due to poor leadership and mismanagement.
“Our country is richly blessed with talent, resilience, vast natural resources, and an indomitable spirit. Yet today, we find ourselves weighed down by rising debt, deepening poverty, and a persistent crisis of insecurity that threatens the very fabric of our society,” he stated.
Waziri stressed that Nigeria should not be experiencing its current challenges, insisting that the country possesses the resources needed to prosper.
“Let me say this clearly: Nigeria has no business living in these conditions. We were not created to struggle under the weight of mismanagement. We were not destined to watch our future slip through our fingers,” he added.
The APM presidential aspirant said his administration would focus on restoring security, rebuilding the economy, and creating opportunities for citizens through practical reforms.
“We must restore security, because without safety, there can be no progress. We must rebuild our economy, focusing on productivity, innovation, and shared prosperity — not just mere survival. We must lift millions out of poverty, not through empty rhetoric, but through practical and decisive reforms that create sustainable jobs and real opportunities,” he said.
Waziri, who holds the traditional title of Sarkin Sullubawan Bauchi, pledged to govern with integrity, transparency, and discipline if elected president in 2027.
“This is not about politics as usual. This is about a bold new direction. I see a Nigeria where our young people can dream again, where businesses can thrive, and where every citizen, regardless of background, faith, or ethnicity, can feel safe, valued, and empowered,” he said.
He also called on Nigerians to unite and support efforts aimed at rebuilding the country.
“This journey cannot be mine alone. It must be ours. This is an urgent call to every Nigerian to rise above division, reject despair, and believe once again in what we can achieve together,” he stressed.
Presenting highlights of his manifesto, Waziri promised to clear Nigeria’s outstanding debts within four to six months if elected, while also pledging to defeat insecurity within six months to one year.
“In the name of the Creator, Nigeria must pay off all outstanding loans taken by past governments within four to six months. Within six months to a year, our nation must be liberated from most, if not all, of the criminal syndicates currently holding us back,” he declared.
He further promised to settle all outstanding salaries and gratuities within his first year in office, introduce free and compulsory education up to university level, and provide free healthcare for children below seven years and senior citizens aged 60 and above.
“We absolutely have the resources to achieve all of this and more,” he maintained.
On agriculture and energy, Waziri said Nigeria must become self-sufficient in food production and develop capacity for export-oriented agriculture while embracing renewable energy.
“Nigeria must build the capacity to produce for export and become entirely self-sufficient in all types of food. We must revolutionize agriculture and achieve complete energy self-sufficiency through renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy,” he said.
He outlined five key pillars of his proposed administration to include security, economy, international relations, humanity, and religion and ethnicity.
According to him, his administration would tackle poverty as a way of reducing crime, create an enabling environment for economic productivity, promote Nigeria-first policies in international relations, uphold equality and humanity, and foster unity among Nigerians irrespective of religion or ethnicity.
Waziri, who previously contested for the presidential ticket of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) alongside the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and also sought the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed confidence that he would emerge as the APM presidential candidate and eventually win the 2027 presidential election.
