Yobe 2027 Governorship: CSOs drum support for Tumsah
By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
Over 100 people representing civil society organisations from Yobe South have declared their preference for Kashim Musa Tumsah, locally known as KMT, to contest for the Yobe governorship seat in 2027.
Tumsah is currently the Executive Director, Finance and Administration and Secretary of the Board and Joint Ministerial Council at the Nigeria-Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development Authority (JDA).
The JDA is a bilateral organisation established by the Governments of Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe to manage the hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon resources in the maritime boundary of the two countries.
The representatives of the CSOs made the declaration at the end of a one-day workshop held in Potiskum that focused on citizen reporting and the use of social media to promote good governance.
The coalition, consisting of women-led associations, youth groups, professional unions and informal sector representatives, issued a detailed communiqué outlining their reasons for backing the philanthropist and development advocate.
“We, representatives of civil society organisations from across the 44 wards of Yobe South Senatorial District, after extensive discussions and consultations with our members, hereby announce our collective endorsement of Kashim Musa Tumsah as the preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Yobe State.
“This resolution is based not on sentiment or partisan loyalty but on verifiable contributions made by Mr Tumsah in humanitarian service, grassroots development, and empowerment.
“As we approach the 2027 general election, our unified goal is to support a candidate whose values align with transparency, compassion, inclusion and development. We believe that Kashim Musa Tumsah possesses the vision, humility and integrity to govern Yobe State effectively and equitably.”
The communiqué also revealed plans to establish a grassroots mobilisation framework that will sensitise communities across the state about leadership, accountability and the need to vote responsibly.
Amina Ibrahim, Coordinator of Women Voice Initiative, spoke on behalf of several women-focused groups, stressing that the endorsement was based on experience and long-term trust.
“Many people come with promises, but very few have done what Kashim Musa Tumsah has done without holding public office.
“He has consistently intervened in maternal healthcare crises, offered scholarships to young girls in rural schools, and partnered with local clinics to ensure access to childbirth support for pregnant women in places like Fika, Fune and Nangere.”
Malam Muhammad, the Chairman of the Potiskum Tricycle Riders’ Union, said, “Our union has over five thousand active members, and we all know what Tumsah did during the tough days when spare parts were unaffordable and fuel was scarce.
He provided support through a cooperative scheme that allowed our riders to maintain their livelihoods. He understands what it means to struggle and survive, making him one of us.”
The endorsement coincided with a capacity-building programme, Citizen Reporting and the Role of Social Media in Promoting Good Governance, organised by Neptune Prime Limited in collaboration with the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.
Held at Annur Hotel in Potiskum, the training brought together participants from across Yobe State.
Professor Ahmed Bedu, who led one of the major sessions, emphasised that social media must become a tool for civic enlightenment rather than misinformation.
“Social media is not just a platform for sharing news. It is a battleground for narratives. And it is up to you to ensure the truth prevails.
“Use your platforms to highlight positive examples of leadership, expose wrongdoing, and promote voter education.”
“You do not need to be employed by a news outlet to report facts. You are already journalists in your capacity. You are responsible for holding power accountable and raising awareness about issues affecting your communities.”
Malam Abubakar Ahmed, retired Deputy Director at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), urged participants to become more active in online engagement for developmental purposes.
“Each of you has the potential to shift public thinking. Stop using your data only for gossip or entertainment. Use your digital presence to share stories of courage, injustice and progress. Social media can enlighten and mobilise communities when used with purpose.”
In his remarks, Dr Hassan Gimba, publisher of Neptune Prime Nigeria Limited, advised the participants to treat the workshop as a starting point for broader community engagement.
“This training was designed to equip you with tools that can bring real change. You are now ambassadors of responsible communication. Speak up against disinformation. Use your content to advocate for better governance and inspire civic participation.
“As 2027 approaches, you must not sit on the sidelines. Ask questions. Analyse manifestos. Demand clarity. Use your social media platforms to drive issues, not division. You are the bridge between policy and the people.”
After the event, participants resolved to establish a Yobe Digital Advocacy Network to coordinate campaigns for transparency, good governance, and voter awareness, particularly in underserved communities.
