Air Marshal Saddique Baba Abubakar has quit politics. The former Bauchi APC governorship candidate made the announcement Saturday in a video message delivered in Hausa.
He cited personal reasons for stepping away from the political arena. Abubakar apologised to his supporters for the decision, which he described as difficult.
"Today, with a heavy heart, I have made the difficult decision to leave politics for personal reasons," he said in the video. "This decision did not come easily, considering the love, support and affection shown to me by the people of Bauchi State and Nigerians since I joined politics in 2021."
Abubakar transitioned into politics in 2021 following his retirement as Chief of Air Staff. He'd spent decades serving in the Nigerian Air Force before entering the political space.
During the 2023 governorship election, he emerged as a major opposition figure challenging incumbent Governor Bala Mohammed. Mohammed, representing the PDP, defeated him at the ballot box.
Recent weeks had seen campaign posters linking him to a potential 2027 governorship race under the Action Democratic Party. Those rumours now appear to have prompted his formal exit from politics.
He promised to remain active in Bauchi State's development efforts. According to him, his Marshal Care Foundation would focus on health and education initiatives.
"Although I am stepping away from partisan politics, I will continue contributing to the development of Bauchi State," he noted. "I sincerely apologise to all my supporters and well-wishers over this difficult decision."
Abubakar extended his wishes for peace and progress throughout Nigeria. He prayed for stability and development across Bauchi State and the nation.
