Bala Wunti, a top management executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) is in the news again.
This time, this newspaper gathered that his rumoured ambition to contest for the 2027 governorship seat in Bauchi State is creating ripples within the state and most especially, the state’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
While Wunti, the group general manager of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), has not formally declared his intention to run, speculation about his interest in the 2027 race has sent ripples through the PDP which currently holds power in the state.
Daily Nigerian reported that Bala Wunti is quietly nursing the ambition to succeed Bala Mohammed as the governor of the state in 2027.
Inside sources disclosed that the NNPC Limited topshot may be chosen as Governor Mohammed’s “anointed candidate” for the 2027 governorship race.
While the rumours have not been officially confirmed, the growing talk around Wunti’s potential candidacy has begun to unsettle members of the PDP, raising questions about party unity and the balance of power within the state.
Speculation about Governor Mohammed and Wunti’s close ties is stirring unrest in the PDP, with several party members questioning the fairness of this perceived arrangement.
Though Wunti has not openly declared his intentions, it is understood that he has secretly obtained his PDP membership card.
The growing speculation about Wunti’s possible candidacy has divided the PDP. While some party members see his financial resources and experience in the oil and gas sector as strong advantages, others fear his lack of political influence in the state could become a liability unless the power of incumbency helps him gain traction. In addition, some worry that the endorsement of one candidate could create divisions within the party, as other potential contenders may feel sidelined.
Despite these concerns, Wunti’s supporters believe his strategic thinking and business acumen could make him a strong candidate for the governorship.
Meanwhile, potential challengers from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), including Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Health Minister Ali Pate, and others, are already gearing up for the 2027 race.
Pate’s recent interest in the governorship has caused some anxiety within Wunti’s camp, given his impressive credentials and political experience. Although Wunti’s team is concerned about Pate’s potential, critics question Pate’s political influence, citing his lackluster performance in previous primaries.
With Wunti’s rumoured candidacy creating ripples in the PDP and multiple contenders emerging from the APC, the next few months will be crucial in shaping the state’s political future.
In the meantime, all eyes will remain on Bala Wunti and his next steps, as his rumoured ambition continues to stir up the political waters in Bauchi State.