By Emmanuel Kwada
What was billed as a grand reception to welcome Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri into the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday at the historic Mahmud Ribadu Square in Jimeta, Yola, turned out to be something far more electrifying – a carnival-like celebration dominated by the massive and enthusiastic supporters of Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei (SBG).
Grassroots mobilizer and staunch supporter of Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, Mr. Fenny Fwa, has described the event as “more like Bakari’s Carnival” because the sea of supporters loyal to the educationist, philanthropist and leading APC gubernatorial aspirant completely overwhelmed the venue.
According to Fwa, who spoke to journalists at the square, the atmosphere shifted dramatically from the moment activities began around 7am.
“Around that 7am, you could not find anybody apart from Bakari’s supporters. They overwhelmingly came from different local government areas to support him. We were on ground and up till now, you can see all over the venue – the cheering crowd on branded blue T-shirts and red caps,” he said, pointing to the vibrant multitude still filling the square long after the official programme.
Fenny Fwa noted that the event, originally convened to honour Governor Fintiri’s defection from the PDP to the APC, took on an even more electrifying dimension as waves of young people, many wearing Bakari-branded blue-red T-shirts and waving placards emblazoned with “Sai SBG” and “SBG 2027,” poured into the square from early morning.
The colourful display of loyalty turned the reception into an unofficial but powerful demonstration of grassroots strength for Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, a man widely regarded as a leading contender for the APC governorship ticket in 2027.
Supporters from Girei, Yola, Mubi, Numan, Ganye and several other local government areas arrived in convoys, chanting slogans and dancing to music that kept the energy high throughout the day.
Fwa further revealed that many civil society leaders have already pledged their support, stating that they have “seen the light” and believe Dr. Salihu Girei Bakari is the man to beacon on to take over from Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri in 2027.
Concurring with Fwa, a prominent supporter identified as Prince said: “You cannot ignore someone that has spent all his life helping others – building schools, empowering the less privileged, a very down-to-earth man in humility and with empathy for all classes of people. Bakari is the person. He has a great sense of humour and has a great support base from the grassroots.”
Prince added: “Our counsel to our party leadership is to look at who has such capacity – the support base from the grassroots to mobilize and win the election come 2027.”
Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, a seasoned public servant with decades of experience in education and governance, including roles as Commissioner for Higher Education and Local Government Affairs, as well as Director at TETFund, has earned admiration for his quiet but impactful philanthropy.
His supporters highlight his commitment to human capital development, youth empowerment, and inclusive leadership as qualities that set him apart.
The overwhelming presence of SBG supporters at the grand reception has sent a strong message within the APC in Adamawa State.
While the event was meant to celebrate Governor Fintiri’s strategic move to align with the ruling party at the centre, the dominant narrative on the ground yesterday was the surging grassroots momentum behind Dr. Bakari Girei’s aspiration.
Political observers at the square described the turnout as unprecedented, noting that the blue and red colours of the Bakari movement created a carnival atmosphere that overshadowed other displays.
Many attendees openly declared that the future of Adamawa’s leadership lies with a man who has consistently demonstrated empathy, competence and deep connection with the people.
As the sun set on Ribadu Square, the echoes of “Sai SBG” and “SBG 2027” lingered, leaving no doubt that yesterday’s grand reception may have been intended for Governor Fintiri, but it ultimately became a powerful platform that amplified the voice and visibility of Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei’s growing movement.
Fenny Fwa summed it up: “This was not just a reception; it was Bakari’s Carnival – a clear sign of what is to come in 2027.”
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