Adamawa 2027: Rivals seeking consensus endorsement fear defeat, – Dr. Girei
Dr Salihu Bakari Girei has said that some of his rivals ahead of the forthcoming governorship primary in Adamawa State are seeking endorsements as consensus candidates because they fear losing to him at the polls.
Speaking on Thursday during a visit to Mayo Belwa local government area to canvass support from members of the All Progressives Congress, Girei said his aspiration was rooted in a clear understanding of the challenges facing ordinary people in the state.
The governorship aspirant, who was welcomed by party supporters and residents in large numbers, argued that some of his opponents lacked both the vision and capacity to address the economic hardship confronting citizens.
Girei, a former commissioner for local government affairs under the administration of Murtala Nyako, former executive secretary of SUBEB and former senior director at UBEC and TETFund, reflected on his personal struggles while growing up.
“I remember my university days when at some point I survived a whole year with only two shirts and one pair of trousers,” he said.
“There were times I soaked garri without sugar for two days because, after my father retired from the civil service, his gratuity was not paid for four years. I understand poverty because I have experienced the pains associated with it.”
He said Adamawa needed a governor with a deep understanding of the socio economic realities of an agrarian society, adding that his background as a farmer and the son and grandson of teachers placed him in a strong position to build on the achievements of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
According to him, his administration would prioritise the construction of more schools, provision of teaching and learning materials, improved welfare for teachers, expansion of healthcare facilities and job creation programmes aimed at improving living standards across the state.
Girei also thanked party members and supporters for the reception accorded to him and pledged to pursue inclusive governance, development and security if elected governor.
He urged members of the APC to remain united and committed to democratic principles as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
In his remarks, the director general of the SBG Governorship Campaign Council, Chief Phanuel Elias Mosu, called on party supporters to remain optimistic and ignore speculation surrounding the electoral process.
“Do not listen to rumours. Elections will hold,” he said.
“As party faithful, we must commend President Bola Tinubu, the national security adviser and Governor Fintiri for insisting on free, fair and credible elections.”
Mosu described Girei as the aspirant best positioned to deliver good governance and sustainable development to the people of Adamawa State.
A former head of service in Adamawa State and former federal commissioner, Dr Louis Mandama mni, said Girei’s educational background, administrative experience and political pedigree informed his decision to endorse his governorship ambition.
Also speaking, former commissioner for information and former chief press secretary, Yohanna Mathias, expressed confidence that the more than 16 ethnic groups in Mayo Belwa would overwhelmingly support Girei’s aspiration.
Party leaders in the area described the visit as timely and significant, saying the engagement demonstrated Girei’s willingness to understand and address the needs of the people.