Adamawa in North-east, Nigeria, is arguably one of the most endowed states with abundant mineral resources. But analysts generally agree that the Sunshine State is far from where it ought to be in terms of growth and advancement.
This is not an indictment on the successive leadership, especially the outgoing Governor Ahmadu Fintri, as he is the only one credited with the transformation of the state today even though he has his own shortcomings.
For instance, many are still at a loss regarding why the state has not fully reaped from successive leadership.
Adamawa state has barely scratched the surface given the enormous human and material resources scattered across the state. Already, many are jostling for the state’s number one seat and their credentials are intimidating. The list includes Alhaji Abdulrahaman Haske, Caleb, Comrade Mustapha Salihu, Dr Salihu Bakari, Abdulrazak Namdas, Senator Iya Abbas, Tijjani Ahmed Galadima, Felix Tagwami, Bathiya Wesley, Maurice Vunobolki in the All Progressives Change. While Senator Ishiaku Abbo, Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani, former Governors Mohammed Bindow Jibrilla are vying on the platform of the African Democratic Congress. Mr. Wafari Thema, a close all of the former Secretary to the government of the federation during the muha Buhari administration is eyeing.
More importantly majority of the indigenes in diaspora are now interested in Adamawa state politics, and care who will be the next governor especially from the Adamawa Central Senatorial zone.
More crucially, the people are watching for the candidate, who has a clear blueprint for moving the state forward and be a model. Above all, the people or electorate want someone that is well prepared in terms of education, administrative and leadership experience as well as the requisite connection to bring prosperity and progress for the state.
The governor the state needs is one who will be a unifying factor that can bring together the different tribes of the state and one that the people will feel proud in voting across the demographic of the state. Beyond rhetoric, the galaxy of aspirants especially from the ruling party signalled a strategic pivot in the crave for the leadership of the state by the present day politicians.
It’s imperative for the electorate to look beyond their nose. Leadership is too serious a responsibility to be reduced to the level of theatrices. As we approach 2027, let substance replace spectacle, and that the contest will evolve from the comedy of declarations so far made by those that have already make known their intention.
The growing tension within the political space by the numerous people trying to get the nod of their political parties reflects the struggle for power ahead the gubernatorial election coming in less than ten months from now. The state needs a governor whose influence transcends the whole state and resonates within the 21 local government areas of the state. It needs
Someone that leads with authority yet remains grounded in humility and his thinking reflects the same excellence in the art of governance.
All eyes are on the aspirants positioning themselves in order to get the attention of the voters of the state. The people are the ultimate deciders, that can get any person into the office of governor by using their voters card in choosing who will shape their destiny now and in the near future.
