Residents of Kofar Dumi in Bauchi woke up to an unusual scene on Sunday as a young man, Adamu Salisu, climbed a network antenna and shouted loudly, demanding that Dr Bala Wunti, a top official at NNPC, declare his intention to run for Bauchi State governor in the 2027 elections.
Adamu, in his 20s, told the crowd he would not come down until Bala Wunti personally assured him he would contest the governorship seat. Eyewitnesses said he spent nearly four hours atop the antenna, ignoring pleas to come down.
The young man explained his action was driven by repeated calls from people in Bauchi for Dr Wunti, the Chief Health, Safety, and Environment Officer at NNPC Limited, to seek political office because of his many contributions to the state’s development.
Adamu said the people of Bauchi love Bala Wunti and are ready to support him regardless of the political party he chooses.
The dangerous stunt caused mixed reactions in the community—some condemned it as reckless, while others praised Adamu for standing up for a candidate they believe deserves to lead Bauchi.
Security agents arrived on the scene and patiently convinced Adamu to come down, promising to arrange a meeting with Bala Wunti. The young man cooperated and was taken to an unknown location for questioning to ensure his mental health was stable. Reports say he answered all questions clearly.
As of now, neither Dr Bala Wunti nor his foundation has issued an official response to this dramatic call for him to enter the gubernatorial race.
