The politics of Bauchi state has taken another turn as about 26 residents of the state have dragged a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar to court asking that he be compelled to contest the next governorship election.

The former Chief of Air Staff is currently an Ambassador to Chad.

A Bauchi High court on Tuesday adjourned the suit filed Mr. Danlami Takko and 25 others to February 22 for hearing.

In the suit with file number BA/81m/22, counsel for the plaintiffs, Mr. Usman Darazo, prayed the court to compel the respondent to within 30 days make public his intention to run or not run for the position of governor of Bauchi State in the 2023 general elections.

Darazo argued that his clients were agitating for good governance in the state and had identified the respondent as one of the indigenes best suited to occupy the office of the governor because of his numerous achievements while in office.

“In spite of calls from many quarters in the state for the respondent, who is also the Ambassador-Designate of Nigeria to Chad to declare his intention to run has not been answered, thereby, keeping everyone guessing.’’

The counsel said that under Section 6, Sub-Section 6 paragraph B of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, the court has the power to compel the respondent to declare his intentions.

Darazo further told the court that the respondent had been served with the motion on notice.

However, counsel to the respondent, Idris Jibo, sought more time to enable them study and file their response, adding that the interest of his client had to be considered as well.

Justice Kunaza Hamidu then adjourned the case to Feb 22, for hearing of the motion on notice.