Mubarak Shuaybu Shelleng
By Mubarak Shuaybu Shelleng
Many politicians in Adamawa may be unaware of the recent political upheaval shaking the state’s political landscape. This turmoil seems to be pushing desperate, self-centred individuals who have relied on political godfathers to gain power into the spotlight.
The political disagreements between the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and the former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, have attracted various politicians from different factions, including those aligned with Nyako, Binani, Senator Abbo, and Nuhu Ribadu, as they scramble to find their place in the changing political scene.
Take Aishatu Binani, for example. Her participation in the 2023 election drew considerable support not because of her leadership qualities, but rather due to the unique circumstances surrounding her candidacy. While she performed well in her senatorial role representing the central district, she sought the broader appeal necessary to unite the diverse electorate of Adamawa. Historically, candidates who gain significant support from both the southern and northern regions have a better chance of winning elections, despite the political influence of the central zone, which includes the state capital.
Binani must realize that the political forces that propelled her campaign in the last election are no longer present. Regardless of which political party she aligns with, her aspirations to contest and win the gubernatorial election in Adamawa seem increasingly unrealistic given the current political climate.
In contrast, Aziz Nyako, despite his father’s political influence and his grassroots support during the 2019 gubernatorial election with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has struggled with consistency in his political affiliations. After losing the gubernatorial race in 2019, he also lost a senatorial bid to the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) Senator Iya Abbas, who was relatively unknown in the Adamawa political scene. Nyako’s political manoeuvring has led many to view him as someone merely attempting to reclaim a public office, resulting in his rejection by the electorate.
Unlike Binani, Abdulaziz Nyako possesses the ability to deliver effective governance to Adamawa state if provided with the right platform. His family’s longstanding contributions to improving the lives of the poor in Adamawa continue to earn him substantial support.
On the other hand, Senator Abbo Ashaku finds himself in a similar predicament. Having experienced the benefits of public office during his term in the Senate, from which he was illegally removed, he seems to believe he can find a way back to power, possibly through a gubernatorial run. Abbo, who has had public disputes with the incumbent governor, is now aligning himself with Atiku Abubakar, mistakenly thinking this will facilitate his political resurrection. However, he faces competition from several established candidates within the PDP, including former Governor Bindow Jibirilla and the incumbent, who might switch to a senatorial seat after their terms.
Interestingly, many young supporters who once rallied around Nyako’s political agenda have shifted their allegiance to Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and are now publicly supporting Governor Fintiri. This group claims to have moved from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Governor Fintiri continues to enjoy robust support across Adamawa state, a reflection of the significant infrastructural and educational improvements he has implemented. Given his successes and the positive impact he has made compared to past governors, it is unlikely that the politically savvy citizens of Adamawa will reject Fintiri’s endorsed successor.
