Editorial: Governor Fintiri reflect on lessons of El Rufai, Wike before endorsing successor

Your Excellency, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, many residents of Adamawa State were pleased to hear you firmly assert your authority as the leader of the APC in the state during the recent visit of Salihu Mustapha, a former North East zonal chairman of the party. It was particularly reassuring to hear you state that, at the appropriate time, you would endorse a candidate who is genuinely accepted and loved by the people of Adamawa.

That declaration demonstrated leadership, political maturity and a recognition that power ultimately belongs to the people. However, as discussions around the 2027 governorship succession begin to gather momentum, it is important to urge caution and deep reflection before any endorsement is made.

Politics has repeatedly shown that loyalty cannot always be guaranteed by public praise or political closeness. Recent events across the country offer important lessons. The political experiences of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El Rufai, and the ongoing tensions involving Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara should serve as serious reminders that political succession can quickly become a source of regret when personal interests override loyalty and trust.

Your Excellency, you have publicly emphasised the importance of loyalty. The critical question now is whether those seeking your support truly possess the loyalty you desire, or whether their allegiance lies elsewhere, particularly with powerful political interests in Abuja. This is a matter that deserves careful consideration because history has shown that divided loyalty often leads to political betrayal once power changes hands.

Many aspirants across the state have openly engaged with ordinary citizens, visiting churches, mosques and communities in search of support. Yet, some of the names being heavily promoted are rarely seen making such grassroots connections, especially across religious and social divides. Adamawa is a diverse state, and any leader seeking to govern it must visibly demonstrate acceptance of all faiths and communities.

You have consistently presented yourself as a governor for all residents regardless of religion or ethnicity. That example matters. It is therefore reasonable for the public to expect that any candidate seeking your endorsement should reflect the same spirit of inclusiveness by reaching out equally to Christians, Muslims and all sections of society.

There is also the political reality that no amount of influence can permanently market a candidate who lacks genuine acceptance among the people. While incumbency and political structures are powerful tools, they cannot completely replace public goodwill. A candidate perceived as disconnected from the grassroots or overly attached to external political forces may struggle to win the trust of Adamawa voters.

Your Excellency, many people across the state admire your political strength and your ability to keep promises made to the electorate. That legacy should not be endangered by friendship, political pressure or temporary alliances. The choice of a successor should protect both your legacy and the stability of Adamawa State after May 29, 2027.

The people simply hope that when the time comes, your decision will be guided not by flattery or outside influence, but by sincerity, competence, loyalty and genuine acceptance among the people of Adamawa.

May wisdom guide every political decision ahead.