What began as Sallah celebrations in Yola, Adamawa State, turned into a political rally as prominent stakeholders declared support for a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Salihu Girie Bakari.
The endorsements, which cut across former education administrators, retired permanent secretaries and women groups, were made during separate visits to the aspirant’s residence in the state capital.
Bakari, a former Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board, ex-Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Higher Education, and currently Director of Research and Development at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, used the festive period to engage with stakeholders and supporters.
A major highlight of the visits was the endorsement by former Education Secretaries from the 21 local government areas of the state, who described Bakari as a seasoned administrator with a track record in the education sector.
One of them, Shuaibu Alhaji Yahaya Gombi, said Bakari’s leadership qualities and contributions to education made him stand out among his peers.
He noted that the aspirant’s tenure at the education board witnessed improvements in infrastructure, teacher recruitment and training, as well as provision of learning facilities across schools.
Similarly, a former Education Secretary and ex-Commissioner for Border Integration, Youth and Sports, Augustine Ayuba, described Bakari as possessing the capacity to reposition the state.
Ayuba said the aspirant demonstrated inclusiveness and leadership during his previous roles, adding that his experience would translate into effective governance if elected.
Also, a delegation of former Permanent Secretaries pledged support for Bakari’s ambition, describing him as the most qualified among contenders and assuring him of their commitment to mobilising support for his aspiration.
In the same vein, women leaders from Chamba communities in Ganye, Jada and Toungo Local Government Areas visited the aspirant, expressing solidarity and vowing to support his bid irrespective of other contestants.
They cited his inclusive leadership style and track record in public service as reasons for their support.
The endorsements come amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.
Bakari’s supporters said his “Adamawa Transformation Mission,” which focuses on security, education, healthcare and economic development, had continued to gain traction across different segments of the state.
Efforts to get Bakari’s reaction to the endorsements were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report, but sources close to his camp said the development had further boosted momentum around his aspiration.
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