By Abubakar Yunusa
A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Adamawa State, Dr Salihu Bakari Girei, on Thursday declared that other contenders eyeing the party’s 2027 ticket were already jittery over his growing acceptance among party members.
Girei said his opponents had resorted to desperate moves and underground lobbying because they were afraid of losing to him at the APC governorship primary.
The former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs made the declaration while addressing party faithful during a consultation visit to Mayo Belwa Local Government Area.
He said, “They are running from pillar to post seeking endorsement as consensus candidates because they know they cannot match our popularity and connection with the grassroots.”
The aspirant, who was received by a large crowd of supporters and APC stakeholders, boasted that unlike other aspirants, he understands the suffering of ordinary people because he grew up in hardship.
According to him, some of his opponents lack clear vision and cannot identify with the pains being faced daily by residents of Adamawa State.
Recalling his early struggles, Girei said he once survived with only two shirts and one pair of trousers during his university days.
“I know what poverty means. There was a time I soaked garri without sugar for days because my father, after retiring from civil service, was not paid gratuity for four years,” he stated.
He added that Adamawa deserved a governor with deep understanding of the socio-economic realities of the state, especially in agriculture and education.
Girei, a former Executive Secretary of SUBEB and senior director at UBEC and TETFund, promised to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri through improved schools, better welfare for teachers, construction of health centres and job creation.
He said, “I am the only aspirant with the experience, exposure and capacity to move Adamawa forward and protect the interests of the masses.”
In a strong political jab at rival aspirants, Girei’s supporters insisted that no other contender in the APC possessed his administrative experience and grassroots appeal.
Director-General of the SBG Governorship Campaign Council, Chief Phanuel Elias Mosu, urged party members not to be distracted by rumours allegedly being spread by political opponents.
“Elections will hold. Nobody should intimidate our supporters. President Tinubu, the NSA and Governor Fintiri have all shown commitment towards free and credible elections,” he said.
Also speaking, former Head of Service and ex-Federal Commissioner, Dr Louis Mandama, said Girei’s educational background, competence and political pedigree distinguished him from other aspirants in the race.
A former Commissioner for Information, Yohanna Mathias, declared that the over 16 ethnic groups in Mayo Belwa would massively support Girei’s ambition because of his track record and accessibility.
Party leaders in the area described the visit as timely, saying the aspirant’s interaction with stakeholders demonstrated seriousness and genuine concern for the people.
