Ifeanyi Ugwu, a public analyst writes from Yola
I am not a regular writer on national events, but from time to time when I’m arosed to contribute my quota I do. I was a regular visitor to Adamawa State and I must confess, I love the state, the scenery, the people but one thing that has always threatened the serenity of the sunshine state has been politics.
I was not in the state in 2023, but I have read with pain what happened during the governorship election. It was a horrendous event even to recount.
Shortly after the event, I visited the state and everything changed. There were discussions everywhere you turn about taking back our land. And this was linked to the incident in the 2023 governorship election. I just returned from the state where I went to clear my last business in that state and observed the tension worse than 2023!
Most of the elites of ethnic extraction what they call there (kabilu) are routing for APC but they are not ready for any one outside the ethnic nationalities to be their governor. The ethnic nationalities represent about 85 indigenous groups or tribes.
So, what has 2023 govership election done to the state? 2023 has become a constant red flag in the psychy of the majority, who before now never cared who was their governor. Everybody knows what happened in the state here in 2023. The press called it a civilian coup d’etat. Only God and the steadfast action of the people averted the tragedy. So, sure the people can’t forget in hurry.
This is why 2027 election circle is volatile in this remote state of Nigeria. Most of the socio-cultural associations are keeping this under seal but are not willing to accept any form of imposition in APC where majority of their sons think that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu their favourite candidate will facilitate a level playing ground for the majority to pick the ticket.
However, the underground manuvour by a power group in the Presidency are believed to be working against the the run of fairness and justice by misinforming the presidency about the reality on the ground. The plan, I understand is to block all chances of the majority from getting nomination for this small clan to pick the ticket.
By my observation, the minority tribes which are in the majority are insisting that the next governor to succeed Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri must come from any of the 85 indigenous ethnic nationalities which without doubt, are a overwhelming majority in the state.
Some of them were generous to open up to me when they declared that they joined APC en masse because of their leader, Governor Fintiri, who has set a rare template for their cultural freedom by creating new chiefdoms and emirates. “These chiefdoms existed long before the British colonial masters came here but we’re erased, “they stated.
They eulogize Governor Fintiri for his exceptional performance, and added that they believed in him to give them one of their sons as his successor who will continue where he has stopped. From the looks of things, these tribes have collectively resolved to join him in APC because they have trusted him and supported his judgement to give them an indigenous ethnic nationality as his successor.
Read also:
- Adamawa coalition vows to reject imposition of candidates to succeed Gov. Fintiri ahead 2027 polls
- The emerging relevance of indigenous ethnic nationalities in Adamawa politics ahead 2027
- 2027: Adamawa in search of a grassroots politician
I must sound a note of warning here that should the APC insist on imposing a candidate on these people, they’re willing to even put pressure on the Governor, Ahmadu Umaru to withdraw from the alliance.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must watch what’s happening in Adamawa State more carefully than it seems now, if he wants to win the state. The president must know his greatest opposition in Nigeria comes from here. I’m talking about the Waziri Adamawa.
For now, it is clear the ethnic nationalities of Adamawa State are with Governor Fintiri blindfolded, so long as he maintains an unwavering commitment to the cause of the people. A word is enough for APC to take a second look at what’s about to erupt in Adamawa State.
