Opinion: Fintiri’s record in office fuels calls for Senate bid ahead of 2027

By: Humwashi Wonosoiku; Chief Press Secretary to Adamawa state Governor

In Nigeria’s democratic journey, few politicians have occupied prominent positions in both the legislative and executive arms of government in the way Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has. From his years in the Adamawa State House of Assembly to his leadership at the Government House in Yola, his political career has been shaped by crisis management, governance reforms and infrastructural development. As political activities gradually gather pace ahead of the 2027 elections, supporters say his experience and record in office make a strong case for a move to the Red Chamber.

Fintiri first rose to political prominence as the member representing Madagali constituency before emerging as Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly. During one of the most turbulent periods in the state’s political history, he was widely credited with helping to stabilise the legislature. He presided over key debates and backed measures aimed at improving budget implementation and strengthening public administration.

From Speaker to Governor, Fintiri has built a reputation for political resilience, administrative experience and infrastructural transformation, strengthening arguments among supporters for his proposed Senate ambition.

His defining political moment came in July 2014 when constitutional provisions elevated him from Speaker to Acting Governor following the impeachment of then Governor Murtala Nyako. During his brief tenure, his administration cleared parts of outstanding salary arrears, resumed payments to contractors and sought to restore public confidence in governance. The period earned him recognition among civil servants and political observers as a leader capable of taking decisive action under pressure.

Elected Governor in 2019 and re elected in 2023, Fintiri introduced the “Fresh Air” agenda, which has remained the foundation of his administration’s policies and projects.

Under the Urban Renewal Programme, major road projects were initiated in Yola, Jimeta and other parts of the state. The construction of the Jimeta flyover, township roads and rural road networks improved transportation and expanded economic activities across several communities.

In the education sector, his administration introduced free education in public primary and secondary schools and assumed responsibility for the payment of WAEC and NECO examination fees for eligible students. Schools across the state also benefited from the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms, while state owned tertiary institutions received new facilities and equipment.

The health sector also witnessed significant intervention. Primary healthcare centres were constructed and upgraded in several communities, while cottage hospitals were established in underserved areas. The Specialist Hospital, Yola, underwent rehabilitation, while the Adamawa State Health Insurance Scheme was introduced to reduce healthcare costs for residents.

On security, the administration worked closely with security agencies and traditional institutions to address insecurity in parts of the state affected by insurgency and communal conflicts. Pension arrears were cleared in phases, the new minimum wage was implemented and empowerment programmes for youths and women were introduced.

Adamawa also gained recognition in BudgIT’s State of States transparency rankings during his administration, reflecting efforts aimed at improving fiscal accountability, due process and project monitoring.

Supporters of Fintiri’s proposed Senate bid argue that his strength lies in three key areas: experience, governance capacity and representation.

As a former Speaker and serving Governor, they believe he possesses a practical understanding of both lawmaking and policy implementation. They argue that such experience would enable him to contribute effectively to legislative debates and national development initiatives.

Supporters also maintain that Adamawa requires an experienced voice in the National Assembly to push for critical federal projects such as the Dasin Hausa Dam, the Yola Gombe Road, support for the resettlement of internally displaced persons and increased security funding for the north east.

They further describe him as a bridge builder with the ability to work across ethnic and religious divides, an attribute they consider important in a diverse state and country.

From his emergence as Acting Governor in 2014 to his years as Governor under the “Fresh Air” agenda, Fintiri’s political profile has continued to evolve. Supporters believe that, after serving in both the legislative and executive arms of government, the Senate would provide another platform for him to represent Adamawa and contribute to national policymaking.