By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Kaduna State youths under the auspices of Concerned and Hopeful Youths of Kaduna State, have called on Hon. Usman Shehu Bawa, popularly known as Shehu ABG, to run for governor of the North-West state in 2027.
A statement signed by Dr. Mohammed. S. Khalid, on behalf of Kaduna Youths for Progress, and made available to newsmen, alleged that the Governor Uba Sani-led administration in the state had failed to connect with people, citing rising insecurity, collapsing infrastructure and youth abandonment.
Entitled: ‘A call from the youth of Kaduna State: Why Shehu ABG must Contest for Governor in 2027’, the group stated: “We, the Concerned and Hopeful Youths of Kaduna State, write this message as a call, not from political elites, but from the voices of ordinary young men and women who believe that our future deserves more.”
According to them, as Africa experiences a wave of youthful, visionary leadership, “we believe Kaduna must not be left behind. It is time we joined this progressive tide.”
They contended that: “In our state, there is one name that unites us across tribal, religious, and regional lines: Hon. Usman Shehu Bawa, fondly known as Shehu ABG.
“Across Africa, youthful leaders are rising, tackling long-standing challenges with fresh ideas and passion. From Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso to Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia, young leaders are showing that energy, empathy, and innovation can coexist with governance. In Nigeria, though still limited, we are seeing a similar shift.”
According to them, the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, and the Executive Vice Chairman of Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Babatunde Irukera, have demonstrated that youthfulness, when paired with competence, delivers real value to governance.
“Shehu ABG is not just a name; he is a movement—an embodiment of service, simplicity, and sincere leadership. He is deeply loved and respected across the three senatorial zones of Kaduna.
“This love didn’t come from noise or handouts—it came from years of visible and consistent impact. As a federal lawmaker from 2011–2015, Shehu ABG delivered results that remain unmatched.
“He built classrooms, equipped IT centres, and paid WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, and JAMB fees for over 5,000 students yearly across the state. He believed that education should never be a luxury for the poor.
“In a state where many drop out due to poverty, he gave thousands a lifeline to continue learning.
“And he didn’t stop there. Between 2015 and 2019, Shehu ABG also served as a Special Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, further deepening his experience in national legislation and governance.
“Even in that advisory role, he remained close to the grassroots, constantly advocating for policies that would benefit the common man,” the group noted.
It added that through his Foundation, hundreds of youths were trained in Information Communication Technology (ICT), provided start-up funds and commercial vehicles, and drilled over 60 boreholes to supply clean water to underserved communities, pointing out that these are not campaign promises but “realities that many of us have directly benefited from.”
Shehu ABG also funds an annual medical outreach that has offered free surgeries, distributed reading glasses, and provided life-saving medications to thousands, the youth recounted further.
“While some sit in power and do little, Shehu ABG, without holding any public office, continues to serve. Our call is simple: the same man who has done so much without a title must now lead with one.
“Kaduna is in urgent need of healing and unity. The current administration has failed to connect with the people. Insecurity is growing, infrastructure is collapsing, and our youths feel abandoned.
“We don’t need another distant leader —we need someone who understands our pain and walks with us. We need Shehu ABG. He believes in inclusion. His mantra of ‘No Representation Without Consultation’ proves that he listens before acting. That is the leadership Kaduna needs.
“Not power for power’s sake, but power that uplifts and transforms. We call on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to listen to the voices of Kaduna youths. Let this not be another election of recycled names. Let 2027 be the year the PDP stands with the people and presents a candidate with a proven heart for service.
“We are not just endorsing Shehu ABG -we are demanding that he answers this call. Our generation has awakened, and we want a future we can believe in. Shehu ABG, the youths of Kaduna are ready to stand with you. Are you ready to lead us into a new era?”, they asked.
