A Call For Pragmatic Leadership: Yobe’s Moment For Greater Glory

Yobe State—carved out of old Borno State on August 27, 1991—was born with a vision: to bring governance closer to the people and accelerate development across its 47,153 square kilometers. With Damaturu as its capital and 17 local government areas, the state has long been defined by its agricultural vitality, resilient communities, and a leadership tradition rooted in establishment continuity.

Over the years, military administrators and civilian governors—from Sani Daura Ahmed to the distinguished current leadership of His Excellency Mai Mala Buni—have worked tirelessly to advance infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The journey has not been without challenges. Security concerns have tested the state’s resolve, yet Yobe has shown remarkable fortitude, making significant strides in post-conflict recovery and redevelopment.

However, the challenges that remain are enormous. They demand leadership that is not only experienced but also dexterous, sagacious, and forward-looking.

For decades, Yobe’s political leadership has largely been shaped by establishment-based transitions—often through anointment or appointment. While this tradition has provided stability, the state now stands at a crossroads where merit, capacity, and pragmatic problem-solving must take precedence. To build on the good work already achieved and to truly make Yobe great, we must be willing to look inward with fresh eyes—toward those whose exposure, competence, and genuine love for the state set them apart.

Yobe is blessed with an abundance of accomplished sons and daughters whose acumen remains underutilized. Among them stands a figure whose profile commands attention: Barrister Kashim Musa Tumsah (KMT).

Barrister Tumsah is not a newcomer seeking recognition. He is an internationally trained, first-class legal mind; a successful and respected figure in the oil and gas sector; and, since 1998, a behind-the-scenes thinker and strategist whose influence in political circles has been felt but rarely publicized. His international exposure spans continents, equipping him with a breadth of knowledge and a global perspective that few can match. Yet, for all his accomplishments beyond the borders of Yobe, his heart has remained firmly rooted at home.

What sets Barrister Tumsah apart is not merely his résumé, but his uncommon love for Yobe State—a love demonstrated through years of quiet, consistent philanthropy and a deep-seated zeal to impact lives. He understands Yobe intimately: its terrain, its people, its struggles, and its potential. He is, in the truest sense, a self-volunteered son of the soil who has patiently served behind the scenes, waiting not for titles but for the opportunity to serve meaningfully.

Those who know him speak of a man of remarkable intelligence, uncommon brilliance, and a quiet confidence that comes from genuine competence. He does not seek the spotlight, yet his capacity to lead shines unmistakably for those who care to look.

Yobe State does not need to search far for transformative leadership. In Barrister Kashim Musa Tumsah, we have a rare combination of international exposure, intellectual depth, private-sector success, political maturity, and heartfelt commitment to the state. Such a leader, if given the chance, can perform wonders.

This is not a call to discard the establishment but to enrich it—to complement its wisdom with fresh, proven capacity. It is an appeal to every eligible APC voter, every stakeholder, and every well-meaning citizen of Yobe: let us embrace a vision of leadership where merit prevails, where exposure and brilliance are celebrated, and where our collective choice reflects our highest aspirations.

With the right leader at the helm—a leader like KMT—Yobe can indeed become greater. Not because the past has been inadequate, but because the future demands the very best we have to offer.

Let us give Yobe that chance. Let us try Barrister Kashim Musa Tumsah (KMT).

To All APC Members and Eligible Voters in Yobe State, consider a leader whose life has prepared him for this moment. Consider competence. Consider character. Consider KMT.

Baba Ali Kellu

Political Analyst

Politics Without Borders