02/09/2026
BASHIRU BAKARI AND THE “FOREIGNER” LABEL: A RESPONSE TO CHRISTOPHER ISAAC
History, Heritage and Service Should Matter More Than Political Name-Calling
We have taken note of a recent comment attributed to Christopher Isaac, described as one of the supporters of the current member, in which Hon. Alhaji Bashiru Bakari, the Kauran Mambilla, was reportedly described as a “foreigner” in Nguroje Constituency.
Such a statement deserves a response, not because Hon. Alhaji Bashiru Bakari is afraid of political criticism, but because public discourse should be guided by facts, history and fairness rather than labels capable of creating unnecessary division among the people.
Political competition is normal in a democracy. Candidates will be questioned, their records will be examined and their policies will be debated. However, attempting to portray a candidate as an outsider without acknowledging his family history and longstanding relationship with the people of the area does little to advance meaningful political discussion.
UNDERSTANDING THE ROOTS OF BASHIRU BAKARI
Those familiar with the history of Kusuku and Nguroje are well acquainted with the Bakari family and the late Sgt. Bakari Jatau, a retired Police officer of the Nigeria Police Force and the father of Hon. Alhaji Bashiru Bakari.
The late Sgt. Bakari Jatau was connected to Kusuku by origin and established a significant part of his life, activities and public engagement in Nguroje. He was also regarded as one of the notable Kaka political figures whose participation in the affairs of the community left an enduring impression.
His political involvement was not something that suddenly appeared in the present political season. His engagement with politics in Nguroje dates back many years, including his association with the late Alhaji Saidu Mairiga Nguroje and his service as Secretary to Hon. Babangida S. M. Nguroje.
These historical relationships demonstrate that the Bakari family's connection with Nguroje is not a recent invention designed to suit an election. It is part of a history that predates the current political contest.
TRADITIONAL RECOGNITION AND COMMUNITY ACCEPTANCE
Hon. Alhaji Bashiru Bakari, the Kauran Mambilla, has also built relationships across communities, reflected in the traditional titles associated with him.
The title “Kauran Mambilla” was conferred on him by the First-Class Chief of Mambilla, HRH Dr. Shehu Audu Baju II. He also holds the traditional title of “Sintali of Gashaka,” reportedly conferred on him by the First-Class Chief of Gashaka LGA, Taraba State.
These recognitions should not be presented as proof of electoral entitlement, but they demonstrate the relationships and respect Hon. Alhaji Bashiru Bakari has developed across communities.
A person's identity and relationship with a community cannot reasonably be determined by a political argument made during an election season. They should be considered within the broader context of family history, community relationships, social contributions and longstanding interactions with the people.
LET POLITICS BE ABOUT SERVICE, NOT EXCLUSION
It is understandable that political supporters may defend the interests of their preferred candidates. However, there should be a clear line between legitimate political disagreement and language intended to portray another citizen as an outsider simply because he has entered the political contest.
If Christopher Isaac or anyone else believes Hon. Alhaji Bashiru Bakari is unsuitable to represent Nguroje Constituency, there are better questions to ask.
What is his vision?
What has he done for the people?
What does he intend to achieve?
What is his understanding of the challenges facing Nguroje?
What plans does he have for youth development, education, infrastructure, employment, healthcare and effective community representation?
These are the issues voters should be encouraged to consider.
Calling someone a “foreigner” does not answer any of these questions.
HISTORY SHOULD NOT BE REWRITTEN FOR POLITICAL CONVENIENCE
The political history of Nguroje did not begin with the present election cycle. Families, traditional institutions, community leaders and political actors have interacted across generations, contributing in different ways to the development and political life of the area.
For that reason, anyone attempting to make claims about who belongs where should first be prepared to examine the historical records and relationships of all political actors fairly.
If questions of indigeneity, origin and belonging are going to become part of the political debate, they should be addressed with honesty, respect and consistency. Such sensitive matters should never be selectively deployed as political weapons against a particular candidate.
Nguroje Constituency is home to people from different backgrounds who have lived, worked, contributed and built relationships within the community. Diversity should not automatically become a reason for political exclusion.
BASHIRU BAKARI IS OFFERING HIMSELF FOR SERVICE
Hon. Alhaji Bashiru Bakari, the Kauran Mambilla, is not presenting himself to the people of Nguroje to create division. He is offering himself as a candidate because he believes he can contribute meaningfully to the development and representation of the constituency.
As the political process progresses, the people have every right to scrutinise his character, experience, record, competence, ideas and programme for the constituency.
The same standard should apply to every other candidate.
No candidate should be above scrutiny, but neither should any candidate be subjected to unfair attacks based on claims that can be challenged by historical facts.
A CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE POLITICAL DEBATE
We therefore urge supporters of all political camps to maintain decorum and focus their energy on issues that directly affect the people.
Nguroje needs constructive representation, development-oriented leadership, meaningful advocacy and a political culture where candidates compete through ideas and service rather than personal attacks.
Hon. Alhaji Bashiru Bakari, the Kauran Mambilla, will continue to present his case to the people and allow the electorate to make their decision.
The people of Nguroje are capable of making informed choices.
They do not need political gatekeepers to tell them who deserves to be heard.
They deserve facts, competing ideas and credible choices.
Let history speak. Let character be examined. Let competence be tested. Let the people decide.
Above all, let the 2027 political contest in Nguroje be remembered as a competition of ideas, vision, capacity and service, rather than a campaign defined by divisive labels and attempts to question the belonging of fellow citizens.
Hon. Alhaji Bashiru Bakari, the Kauran Mambilla, is ready to present his vision. The people should be allowed to hear it, examine it and make their choice.
