Ismaila Numan, Adamawa’ new broom’ Senator in profile
More than 2 million voting population will vote for Ismaila Numan as their senator in 2023, indicating that his several years as secretary, FCDA in office have not diminished his appeal.
His power base lies with the poor people of Adamawa south, known as the “talakawa” in the Hausa language. In the 2023 election, his broad zonal appeal will be boosted by the backing of prominent defectors from the then governing People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
This time around, his key asset is thought to have the majority of Adamawa southern youths, men and women, as his electorate.
In 2023, Mr Ismaila Numan promises a clean break from the past and gives the people quality representation devoid of sentiment.
He had been secretary FCDA; his public image – as a dour, incorruptible disciplinarian – was based on a several-year stint as administrator.
Since he declared to contest for senate, his campaign portrays him as the democrat he is, vowing to bring sanity to Adamawa South’s people when elected as a senator.
An electorate has worried about quality representation in the senate since 2015; to date, the lack of adequate representation took him at his word, making him the first Nigerian opposition senator candidate to defeat an incumbent senator in 2023.
In 2023, Mr Ismail will wield his party’s symbol – a broom – on the campaign trail. This time no longer representing a clean break from the past, he promised to take Adamawa south to “the next level”.
His supporters can argue that his mandate will be renewed in 2027 because he will be fulfilled previous campaign pledges, such as quality representation and attracting government presence to Adamawa south.
However, his critics are likely to continue questioning his record in government and his ability to deliver on any promises.
Mr Ismaila’s popularity is widespread in southern Adamawa. Among other successes, Mr Ismail can point to improvements in quality representation after 2027. Under his watch, Adamawa south will be miniature London.
Mr Ismailas’s reputation for incorruptibility has survived his time in office – a rare feat among Nigerian leaders.