‘I am a son of nobody’: Wafarninyi joins Adamawa governorship race, promises war on poverty
Pharm. Theman Wafarninyi, a pharmacist by training, former member of the Adamawa State House of Assembly representing Hong Constituency and former Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Adamawa State, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election under the platform of the Young Progressives Party, promising to rescue the state from what he described as years of poor governance, poverty and neglect.
Wafarninyi made the declaration on Sunday during a gathering of party supporters, youth groups and community leaders in Yola, where he unveiled his political vision ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Addressing the crowd, the pharmacist turned politician said Adamawa remained blessed with enormous human and natural resources but continued to face hardship because of failed leadership and lack of inclusive governance.
According to him, the people of the state deserve a government that prioritises transparency, accountability, youth inclusion and economic opportunities for ordinary citizens.
He said his decision to join the governorship race was driven by his desire to contribute to the development of Adamawa State and work with the people to build a more prosperous future for all.
“Adamawa is richly blessed with great potential. Our people deserve quality education, accessible healthcare, good roads, security, jobs and opportunities to succeed. I am entering this race because I believe we can work together to build a government that truly serves the people and promotes development across the state,” he said.
Wafarninyi vowed to tackle poverty headlong if elected governor, stressing that his personal life story had shaped his determination to fight for the less privileged.
According to him, he rose from a humble background through hard work, perseverance and determination despite having no political godfather or wealthy family support.
“I am a son of nobody who fought hard to rise to this level. I understand the pain of ordinary people because I have lived through it. That is why I will make poverty reduction a priority of my administration,” he stated.
The governorship aspirant also pledged to ensure massive inclusion of young people and women in government appointments.
He promised that 60 per cent of appointments under his administration would go to youths, while women would occupy 40 per cent of positions in government.
Wafarninyi said young people and women remained the backbone of society and must be given greater opportunities to contribute to governance and development.
He further promised to invest heavily in agriculture, healthcare and education, while creating programmes aimed at empowering small businesses and rural communities across the state.
Supporters at the event expressed confidence in his leadership capacity, describing him as a grassroots politician with a deep understanding of the struggles facing ordinary citizens in Adamawa.