Buni: The Man Who Never Asked

Buni: The Man Who Never Asked

By Yusuf Ali

“Ask, and you shall be given,” says the holy books, but here is a man who received numerous political blessings without ever seeking them. Hon. Mai Mala Buni’s journey in Nigerian politics is a testament to the power of destiny and a call to serve.

During the Third Republic in 1992-93, Mai Mala was in Lagos when a delegation of local politicians from his ward approached him with a request to return home and contest for the position of councilor.

True to his belief in answering the people’s call, he went home, contested under the National Republican Convention (NRC) platform, and won by a landslide, even though the Social Democratic Party (SDP) swept the rest of the state.

Upon the inauguration of the elected Gujba Local Government Council, Mai Mala did not lobby for any position. Yet, the eight NRC councilors unanimously elected him as the Leader (Speaker) of the legislature, even though the chairman of the council, an SDP member, had two councilors on his side.

Years later, Mai Mala’s rise continued in similar fashion. Without any personal ambition for the role, he was unanimously elected as Yobe State Chairman of the Action Congress (AC). When the party transformed into the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), he was again chosen as chairman.

In 2013, when the All Progressives Congress (APC) was formed from a merger of ACN, ANPP, CPC, and others, Mai Mala was unanimously elected as the pioneer Yobe State APC Chairman—again, without asking for it.

Two years later, when the position of APC National Secretary was being filled, Mai Mala’s name emerged. Supported by his state chapter and the North-East zonal caucus, he was elected to the role without lobbying. In 2018, he was re-elected for a second term, once again without seeking the position.

In 2019, while serving as APC National Secretary, a new call came—one he never anticipated. Without solicitation, he was nominated to be the APC gubernatorial candidate in Yobe State.

Despite competition from three other contenders, he won the primary election decisively and later emerged victorious in the general election. It was a historic win, as Yobe’s PDP candidate, Amb. Iliya Damagum, chose not to challenge the outcome in court—a testament to the trust and faith Yobeans had in Mai Mala Buni’s leadership.

In 2020, the APC faced internal challenges that led to the dissolution of its National Working Committee. The party sought an exceptional leader to head its Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee. Once again, party leaders, APC governors, and President Muhammadu Buhari found their solution in Mai Mala Buni.

Despite his commitments as governor of Yobe State, he accepted the call to serve. His tenure as caretaker chairman showcased his humility, gentle demeanor, and ability to unify—a reflection of his “Never Ask” attitude.

Mai Mala’s leadership prowess extended beyond Yobe and the APC. During the Governors of the Lake Chad Basin Forum’s meeting in Maiduguri, he hosted the 5th forum with his characteristic poise. At the conclusion of the gathering, he was unanimously declared the new chairman of the forum for a two-year term. His reconciliatory approach and dedication to peace are expected to steer the region through its challenges.

Through his journey, Mai Mala Buni has consistently demonstrated that leadership is not about ambition but about answering the call of duty. He remains a man who never asked but was chosen time and again to serve.