Adamawa 2027: “My Opponents Are Scared of Losing to Me” – Dr. Bakari Girei

By Tgnews Reporter

Aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Adamawa State, Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, has claimed that his rivals are avoiding a direct primary contest because they fear defeat at his hands.

Dr. Girei made the assertion on Thursday during a consultative visit to Mayo Belwa Local Government Area, where he was received by a large crowd of party faithful and supporters.

Speaking to APC members, the former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in the Murtala Nyako administration said his opponents were “running from pillar to post” seeking endorsement as consensus candidates because they had nothing substantial to offer the people of Adamawa.

“My opponents have blurry vision that does not align with the suffering of our people,” he stated.

Dr. Girei, who has also served as Executive Secretary of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and held senior positions at UBEC and TETFund, drew from his personal experience to connect with the audience.

He recounted the hardships of his university days, surviving on two shirts, one pair of trousers, and soaking garri without sugar for days after his father’s retirement gratuity was delayed for four years.

“I know how poor people feel because I understand the pains associated with poverty,” he said.

The aspirant, who describes himself as a farmer, son and grandson of teachers, positioned himself as the candidate best equipped to address the socio-economic realities of Adamawa’s agrarian communities.

He pledged to build on the achievements of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri by constructing more schools, supplying teaching and learning materials, improving teachers’ welfare, establishing health centres across the state, and creating job opportunities for citizens.

Dr. Girei expressed gratitude for the warm reception in Mayo Belwa and reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance, equitable development, and enhanced security. He called for unity within the APC and urged members to uphold democratic principles ahead of the 2027 elections.

Chief Phanuel Elias Mosu, Director General of the SBG Governorship Campaign Council, assured supporters that elections would hold and urged them to ignore rumours.

He commended President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and Governor Fintiri for their stance on free, fair, and credible polls, describing Dr. Girei as the only aspirant capable of delivering tangible dividends of good governance.

In separate remarks, prominent APC leaders endorsed Dr. Girei’s aspiration. Dr. Louis Mandama mni, a former Head of Civil Service of Adamawa State and Federal Commissioner, cited the aspirant’s exposure, educational qualifications, and political pedigree as reasons for his support.

Similarly, former Commissioner for Information and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yohanna Mathias, expressed confidence that the over sixteen ethnic groups in Mayo Belwa would deliver overwhelming votes for Dr. Girei.

Local party leaders described the visit as timely and impactful, noting that Dr. Girei’s grassroots engagement demonstrated a sincere desire to understand and address the needs of the people.