The tenure of a governor in Bauchi State follows the Nigerian Constitution, which stipulates a four-year term. After each term, an election is held to determine the next governor. A sitting governor is eligible for only two terms, totaling eight years.
Since its creation on February 3, 1976, Bauchi, one of Nigeria’s oldest states has been governed by both military and civilian leaders. Initially, it experienced military rule before transitioning to civilian governance in 1979. This evolving leadership over the years has significantly contributed to the development of Bauchi State.
To provide insight into the leadership history, the list of past and present Bauchi State governors below outlines their full names, duration in office, and key contributions. Reviewing this list will help you understand the impact each governor had, and you can search further through additional research.
List of Former and New Bauchi State Governors from 1976 to date
| # | Name | Title | Period in Office | Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohammed Bello Kaliel | Military | Mar 1976 – Jul 1978 | Millitary (First military governor) |
| 2 | Garba Duba | Military | Jul 1978 – Oct 1979 | Military |
| 3 | Abubakar Tatari Ali | Civilian | Oct 1979 – Dec 1983 | NPN (First civilian governor) |
| 4 | Mohammed Sani Sami | Military | Jan 1984 – Aug 1985 | Military |
| 5 | Chris Abutu Garuba | Military | Aug 1985 – Dec 1987 | Military |
| 6 | Joshua Madaki | Military | Dec 1987 – Aug 1990 | Military |
| 7 | Abu Ali | Military | Aug 1990 – Jan 1992 | Military |
| 8 | Dahiru Mohammed | Civilian | Jan 1992 – Nov 1993 | NRC |
| 9 | James Kalau | Military | 9 Dec 1993 – 14 Sep 1994 | Military |
| 10 | Rasheed Adisa Raji | Military | 14 Sep 1994 – 22 Aug 1996 | Military |
| 11 | Theophilus Bamigboye | Military | 22 Aug 1996 – Aug 1998 | Military |
| 12 | Abdul Mshelia | Military | Aug 1998 – May 1999 | Military |
| 13 | Ahmad Adamu Mu’azu | Civilian | 29 May 1999 – 29 May 2007 | PDP |
| 14 | Isa Yuguda | Civilian | 29 May 2007 – 29 May 2015 | ANPP |
| 15 | Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar | Civilian | 29 May 2015 – 29 May 2019 | APC |
| 16 | Bala Mohammed | Civilian | 29 May 2019 – Incumbent | PDP |
READ ALSO: ABOUT BAUCHI STATE HISTORY
Who Was the First Governor?
Colonel Mohammed Bello Kaliel was appointed as the first military governor of Bauchi State in 1976, shortly after its creation. He was appointed by General Murtala Muhammad, the then Head of State, who was later assassinated in a coup.
Kaliel’s military background and experience as an instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy equipped him to establish an administrative foundation for the newly formed state. He sourced experienced professionals from Maiduguri and other nearby areas to build a capable government structure in Bauchi.
One of his earliest priorities was addressing the lack of clean water and electricity. Boreholes were constructed as a high-priority project to provide clean drinking water across the state.
Colonel Kaliel joined the Nigerian Army in 1967 and served as an instructor between 1972 and 1974. He later became a commandant and served as Director of Logistics and Defense before his appointment as governor. His leadership was consultative; rather than making decisions alone, he sought capable advisors to help build a strong governance system.
Who Is the Current Governor ?
As of today, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed is the current governor of Bauchi State. He assumed office in May 2019 and was re-elected on May 23, 2023, under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He is currently serving his second term.
Born on October 3, 1958, Bala Mohammed earned his First School Leaving Certificate in 1971 from Duguri Primary School. After obtaining his Senior Secondary Certificate, he proceeded to the University of Maiduguri, where he earned a BSc in Arts. He also holds additional qualifications in management and procurement.
Before becoming governor, Bala served as a Senator for Bauchi South from 2007 to 2010 and later as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja). Earlier in his career, he worked as a journalist and administrative officer, experiences that contributed to his effective governance.
Key Achievements in Office
Education:
- Reconstructed over 300 primary and secondary schools.
- Added 5,000 new classrooms.Reduced the number of out-of-school children from 1.2 million to 521,000.Employed and retrained teachers to meet modern standards.Provided financial assistance to over 14,000 students, covering WAEC, NECO, JAMB, NBAIS, and NABTEB fees.
- Introduced ICT training programs for students and teachers to boost digital literacy.
Healthcare:
- Built new hospitals and renovated old ones across various communities to ensure better access to quality healthcare.
Agriculture:
- Trained over 1,000 farmers in modern farming techniques.
- Distributed 8,000 tons of fertilizer to more than 10,000 farmers to improve agricultural productivity.
Water Supply:
- Launched a ₦20 billion water supply project in partnership with the World Bank to ensure clean water access in Bauchi metropolis.
- Installed 3,000 boreholes across 20 local government areas to address water shortages in rural communities.
Anti-Corruption & Civil Service Reform:
- Set up a committee to recover stolen government funds and assets.
- Eliminated ghost workers through BVN verification.
Infrastructure:
- Initiated the first-ever flyover bridge in Bauchi State.
Conclusion
Since its creation in 1976, Bauchi State has been governed by a mix of military and civilian leaders. Each administration has made its mark, contributing to the state’s development.
- The first governor was Colonel Mohammed Bello Kaliel (1976–1978), who laid the groundwork for the state’s administration.
- The first civilian governor was Abubakar Tatari Ali, who served from 1979 to 1983 under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).
The legacy of each leader can be explored through their policies, development projects, and governance approaches.
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