As political activities gather momentum ahead of the House of Representatives contest for Yola North, Yola South and Girei Federal Constituency, former Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, is increasingly being projected by supporters and analysts as one of the leading aspirants in the race.
The contest, which has attracted several influential politicians, former lawmakers, professionals and grassroots mobilisers within the All Progressives Congress, is already shaping up as a keen battle ahead of the party’s primary election.
However, political observers say Salihijo’s background in infrastructure development, energy policy and public sector administration has distinguished him from many other aspirants seeking the seat.
According to political analyst, Iliyasu Adams, the constituency is at a point where voters may begin to prioritise competence, delivery and development-focused leadership over conventional political rhetoric.
“In a field crowded with career politicians and local power brokers, Salihijo brings something relatively rare in Nigerian politics — verifiable experience in solving real developmental challenges,” Adams stated.
Born on October 20, 1983, in Adamawa State, Salihijo studied Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom before obtaining a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Over the years, he has built a career spanning infrastructure regulation, renewable energy development, public-private partnerships and youth empowerment initiatives.
Before his appointment as Managing Director of the REA in 2019, Salihijo worked with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and also served under the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, where he was involved in youth employment and skills development projects.
During his tenure at the REA, the agency implemented several rural electrification projects across the country through solar mini-grids, solar home systems and off-grid energy interventions.
Some of the projects executed under his leadership reportedly impacted communities in Adamawa State, including electrification projects in Hong and Mayo Belwa Local Government Areas.
Supporters of the aspirant argue that his exposure to large-scale infrastructure financing and development partnerships positions him to attract investments and developmental projects to the constituency if elected.
They also point to his involvement in climate finance, renewable energy policy and job creation initiatives as part of his strengths.
Analysts further note that the Yola North/Yola South/Girei constituency continues to grapple with unemployment, poor infrastructure and inadequate electricity supply, making practical governance experience a major issue in the race.
“Many politicians make promises during campaigns, but Salihijo has worked within institutions that delivered projects capable of improving livelihoods,” Adams added.
Despite the growing attention around his candidacy, the constituency race remains competitive, with several aspirants also enjoying significant grassroots structures and political influence across the three local government areas.
Among those in the contest are former Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Kabiru Mijinyawa; former lawmaker, Abba Girei; legal practitioner and women advocate, Jamila Babuba; medical practitioner, Dr Tariq Abubakar Girei; and businessman, Aminu Bello Arabi, among others.
Political stakeholders believe the outcome of the contest may ultimately depend on whether party members choose established political networks or candidates with technocratic and developmental credentials.
For many observers, the emerging debate within the constituency reflects a broader national conversation about the kind of leadership Nigerians now expect from elected representatives.
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