Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar
Bauchi | Governor
Bauchi | Governor
Biography of Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar
Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar is a Nigerian lawyer, politician, and public administrator who served as the Governor of Bauchi State from 29 May 2015 to 29 May 2019. Popularly known as Makama Babba, he is recognized for his contributions to public service, electoral administration, legal practice, and governance.
Born on 11 December 1956 in Gombe, Nigeria, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar received his early education at Jos Native Authority Primary School and Tudun Wada Primary School, Kano, before attending Government College, Kano (Rumfa College) for his secondary education. He later enrolled at the School of Basic Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, where he completed his pre-degree programme before studying law and qualifying as a legal practitioner.
Abubakar began his professional career in the public service and rose to become the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Bauchi State. He later served as Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in several states before being promoted to National Electoral Commissioner in charge of Legal Services. Following his retirement from INEC in 2008, he returned to private legal practice as the Managing Partner of M. A. Abubakar & Co. (Fortuna Chambers).
In 2015, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar was elected Governor of Bauchi State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), succeeding Isa Yuguda. During his tenure, his administration focused on infrastructure development, education, healthcare, civil service reforms, fiscal discipline, and strengthening public institutions. He also pursued policies aimed at improving transparency and accountability in government.
After completing his four-year tenure, Abubakar contested for a second term in the 2019 governorship election but was defeated by Bala Mohammed of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Despite the electoral setback, he has remained active in Nigerian politics and continues to play a prominent role within the APC.
Beyond politics, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar is respected for his extensive experience in law, governance, and electoral administration. He is married with children and has maintained an active interest in public affairs, legal advocacy, and community development. His career reflects decades of service across the legal profession, electoral management, and executive leadership in Bauchi State.