The harder the climb, the louder the resistance

-By Aminu Gambo Adamu-

 In every political journey, there comes a moment when the road becomes difficult, the opposition becomes louder and every step forward attracts resistance. It is at such moments that the strength of a political movement is truly tested.

For supporters of Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN (Makama Babba), the road to 2027 has increasingly taken the shape of the Hausa proverb “Murucin kan dutse, mahakin ka karya suke yi.”

The expression paints a vivid picture of a person climbing a steep mountain while those behind him attempt to pull him down or break his determination.

That, according to his supporters, is the political situation surrounding M.A. Abubakar as he seeks another opportunity to lead Bauchi State.

A POLITICAL JOURNEY WITH HISTORY

M.A. Abubakar is not a newcomer to Bauchi politics. He served as governor of the state from 2015 to 2019 and has remained an influential figure within the political landscape.

His return to the 2027 governorship race has therefore reopened old political conversations while creating new ones.

His supporters see the comeback as evidence that political setbacks do not necessarily mark the end of a political journey.

Rather, they argue, experience can strengthen a leader, sharpen his understanding and prepare him for another opportunity to serve.

Recently M.A. Abubakar has emerged as the APC's governorship candidate for Bauchi State for the 2027 election.

“MURUCIN KAN DUTSE”

The metaphor is powerful.

A mountain climber does not expect an easy journey.

There are steep paths.

There are stones.

There is exhaustion.

There are moments when turning back appears easier than continuing forward.

But the climber who remains focused keeps moving.

For M.A. Abubakar's supporters, this is precisely how they view his political journey.

They believe the former governor has faced political challenges, criticism and setbacks, yet has continued to remain relevant in Bauchi's political conversation.

The message from his camp appears to be one of determination:

The mountain may be high, but the destination remains in sight.

WHEN OPPOSITION BECOMES MOTIVATION

Politics naturally produces opposition.

Every serious political contender will have supporters and critics.

 Every political decision will attract praise from one side and criticism from another.

But there is a difference between legitimate political criticism and attempts to destroy a person's political ambition simply because of disagreement.

For M.A. Abubakar's supporters, criticism has become another source of motivation.

The more difficult the political road becomes, the more determined they appear to become.

This is where the second part of the proverb becomes relevant:

“Mahakin ka karya suke yi” those behind you are trying to break your ladder.

The metaphor suggests that the real test is not whether obstacles exist, but whether the person climbing allows those obstacles to stop him.

EXPERIENCE AS A POLITICAL ASSET

One of the strongest arguments being made by supporters of M.A. Abubakar is experience.

Having served as governor, he understands the workings of government from the inside.

He understands the responsibilities attached to the office, the demands of public administration and the pressures that come with making decisions affecting millions of people.

That experience cannot simply be acquired overnight.

However, experience must always be accompanied by reflection.

A second opportunity to govern should mean an opportunity to improve, correct mistakes, strengthen weaknesses and introduce better ideas.

That is where the 2027 conversation becomes important.

BAUCHI NEEDS MORE THAN POLITICAL SLOGANS

Beyond personalities and party colours, Bauchi's future requires serious discussion.

The state needs stronger education.

It needs better healthcare.

It needs economic opportunities for young people.

It needs stronger agricultural development.

It needs infrastructure that connects communities to markets.

It needs an environment where small businesses can grow.

And it needs leadership capable of bringing different interests together.

Therefore, the M.A. Abubakar campaign must ultimately be judged not only by its political strength but also by the clarity of its vision for Bauchi.

THE YOUTH QUESTION

The young people of Bauchi represent one of the state's greatest assets.

Thousands of young people are seeking education, employment, skills and opportunities to build independent lives.

For any government seeking to lead Bauchi in the coming years, youth development must therefore be central.

A serious agenda should focus on skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, technology, employment and access to finance.

If M.A. Abubakar is returning to the political arena with the promise of another chapter of leadership, his supporters will need to show how his experience can be translated into practical opportunities for this generation.

FARMERS AND THE RURAL COMMUNITY

The story of Bauchi cannot be told without agriculture.

From rural communities to urban markets, agriculture remains an important part of the state's economic life.

Farmers need access to inputs, irrigation, storage, roads and markets.

They need policies that make farming profitable rather than merely a means of survival.

A government capable of unlocking Bauchi's agricultural potential could create opportunities far beyond the farming community itself.

It could stimulate transportation, processing, trade and employment.

UNITY MUST REMAIN THE FOUNDATION

Political competition should never destroy the unity of Bauchi State.

After elections, the people remain neighbours.

Communities remain connected.

Businesses continue to trade.

Families continue to live together.

Therefore, political disagreements must not become permanent divisions.

M.A. Abubakar and every other political actor seeking power in 2027 have an opportunity to demonstrate that political competition can exist alongside respect, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

THE ROAD AHEAD

The road to 2027 will certainly not be easy.

There will be criticism.

There will be political calculations.

There will be competing narratives.

There will be attempts to question records and motivations.

There will also be strong support.

But that is the nature of politics.

What will ultimately distinguish a political movement is its ability to remain focused when the environment becomes difficult.

For supporters of M.A. Abubakar, the message is therefore straightforward:

Keep climbing.

If the mountain represents the road to Government House, then every obstacle represents another test of determination.

NOT JUST ABOUT ONE MAN

Yet the 2027 conversation should not be reduced entirely to one politician.

It should be about Bauchi.

It should be about what kind of state the next generation will inherit.

It should be about whether young people will have opportunities.

It should be about whether farmers will prosper.

It should be about whether schools will produce competitive graduates.

It should be about whether healthcare will be accessible.

It should be about whether public institutions will serve citizens effectively.

M.A. Abubakar's candidacy is one part of that larger conversation.

THE CLIMB CONTINUES

Every mountain has a summit.

But reaching the summit requires patience, preparation and determination.

For those who believe in M.A. Abubakar's political project, the challenges surrounding his return are not reasons to retreat. They are part of the journey.

The former governor's supporters have made their position clear: they believe his experience, political maturity and understanding of Bauchi's affairs make him worthy of another opportunity.

His opponents will undoubtedly present a different argument.

That is democracy.

But whatever side of the political divide one stands on, the conversation should remain focused on the future of Bauchi.

As the 2027 election approaches, one thing is becoming increasingly clear:

M.A. Abubakar is climbing the mountain again.

And as the old saying goes:

“Murucin kan dutse, mahakin ka karya suke yi.”

The mountain may be steep. The opposition may be strong. But the journey continues.

2027: The climb has begun.