The political landscape in Kaduna State has been stirred by the successful screening of Mahmud Sadis Buba, a 30-year-old aspirant seeking to represent the Sabon Gari Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives under the All Progressives Congress (APC). A video of his screening session recently went viral, capturing the moment the young politician confidently defended his eligibility before the party’s panel.

His remarkably youthful appearance initially sparked a wave of skepticism and debate on social media, with many users questioning if he had met the constitutional age requirement for the office.

During the screening, Buba—who is widely known by the traditional title Abin Al-Ajabin Zazzau cleared any lingering doubts by confirming he is indeed 30 years old.

He maintained a calm and respectful composure even as members of the panel scrutinized his background and appearance. This milestone makes him one of the youngest serious contenders in the race for the 2027 general elections, a feat made possible by the “Not Too Young To Run” legislation which lowered the age limit for the House of Representatives to 30.

Buba’s journey to the political stage is a classic grassroots to government story that has resonated with many in his constituency. He openly shared that he formerly worked as a commercial driver, a background he views as an asset rather than a liability.

According to Buba, his history on the road provided him with a firsthand understanding of the economic hardships, security concerns, and infrastructure deficits that the people of Sabon Gari face daily, making him a more empathetic candidate than the elite.

Beyond his personal history, Buba has already established himself as a significant figure within the state’s political machinery. He currently serves as the chairman of a major support group for the Tinubu–Uba Sani Agenda, positioning himself as a loyalist to both the Presidency and the Kaduna State Governor.

His campaign strategy centers on the idea that the desire for leadership change is coming directly from the electorate, who he claims are eager for a representative they can relate to personally.

The viral video of his screening has drawn mixed reactions, but it has undoubtedly served as a massive publicity boost. While some critics initially mocked his baby-faced look, youth advocates have rallied behind him, praising his courage to stand before seasoned political veterans.

Supporters argue that Buba represents a necessary shift away from the “gerontocracy” that has dominated Nigerian politics for decades, proving that the youth can be participants rather than just voters.

His primary challenge lies in unseating the current incumbent, a task that will require more than just viral fame. Buba, however, remains undeterred, insisting that his campaign is driven by a divine mandate and the overwhelming “call of the people.” He has spent the last several months mobilizing grassroots support across the Zaria axis, focusing on youth empowerment and the promise of more accessible and transparent representation in the Green Chamber.

With the successful completion of the screening process, Mahmud Sadis Buba has now been cleared to participate in the APC primary elections. His candidacy is expected to be a litmus test for the party’s commitment to youth inclusion and the ability of a “common man” candidate to navigate the high-stakes world of Nigerian legislative politics. As the primary draws near, all eyes will be on Sabon Gari to see if this 30-year-old trailblazer can turn his viral moment into a political victory.