Editorial: Adamawa 2027: Voters deserve vision, not character assassination
As Adamawa moves closer to the 2027 governorship election, political rhetoric will inevitably become louder, alliances will shift and candidates will intensify efforts to win the confidence of voters. The Finder Newspaper believes, however, that the campaign must not be reduced to personal attacks, malicious allegations and character assassination.
Adamawa voters deserve a serious contest of ideas, competence and vision.
The candidates should tell the people how they will build on the legacy of the present governor in the areas of unemployment, poverty, insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and rural development should occupy the centre of the governorship campaign.
Candidates seeking to govern Adamawa must demonstrate that they understand these challenges and, more importantly, explain how they intend to address them.
The Finder believes every governorship candidate should present a clear and measurable programme. How will jobs be created? What policies will improve agricultural productivity and farmers’ access to markets? How will schools and healthcare facilities be strengthened? What will be done to attract investment and extend infrastructure to neglected communities?
Candidates must equally explain how their promises will be financed. Grand declarations at campaign rallies are easy; responsible governance requires priorities, realistic budgets and an understanding of the state’s financial capacity.
This newspaper does not suggest that the character or records of candidates should be ignored. On the contrary, anyone seeking the governorship must expect rigorous scrutiny. Integrity, competence, previous performance and the management of positions of responsibility are legitimate matters of public interest.
But scrutiny must not become character assassination.
Where allegations are made against candidates, they should be supported by verifiable evidence. Rumours, manipulated information and deliberate falsehoods should not be presented as facts simply because an election is approaching.
The media also carries an important responsibility. The Finder will continue to scrutinise claims, promises and records across political divides without allowing its platforms to become instruments for destroying reputations through unsupported allegations.
Political supporters, particularly on social media, should recognise the same responsibility. An election should not become a licence to manufacture accusations against opponents.
Adamawa needs candidates prepared to debate policies and defend their programmes before the electorate. Voters should demand measurable commitments for the first 100 days and the four-year tenure.
The 2027 governorship election presents an opportunity to raise the standard of political engagement in the state.
The Finder’s position is clear: let candidates defend their records, let journalists interrogate their claims and let opponents challenge their policies.
Ultimately, Adamawa’s next governor should emerge from a contest of competence, ideas and credible visions for the state’s future not from a campaign to determine who can inflict the greatest damage on an opponent’s character.