“….My gubernatorial ambition will not destroy the good relationships I have built with people from all corners of Adamawa, but my allegiance remains firmly with the voters of the state”
By Emmanuel Kwada
As the race for the 2027 Adamawa governorship gathers momentum, Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani Galadima, a frontline All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant and immediate past Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), has firmly rejected claims that his ambition is being orchestrated by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu or Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
In an exclusive interview with TGNews, Galadima declared: “I have no godfather. I only have cordial relationships with every Nigerian in every field. Adamawa state residents are my backers. That is why I am going round tirelessly to share my vision and what they should expect if they vote me in.”
Galadima, who recently resigned his high-profile federal appointment to fully commit to the contest, emphasized that his decision stems from a deep desire to build on his existing contributions to the state.
“Adamawa State is my state. I have a perfect footprint in the lives of Adamawa residents, and because I want to do more and bring greater impact, that is why I resigned my position to contest,” he said.
I bank on the grassroots. Their voices from the street can attest to that too.
The aspirant pointed to widespread grassroots support as the true foundation of his campaign. “I bank on the grassroots. Their voices from the street can attest to that too. You can see from the grassroots mobilization in the past week—from one town to another, visiting our traditional leaders to share our vision,” Galadima added.
His recent tours across Adamawa have seen enthusiastic receptions, with supporters mobilizing organically in various local government areas.
Youths, women, and community leaders have turned out in large numbers, some even initiating crowdfunding efforts to back his aspiration, signaling a groundswell of popular backing rather than elite sponsorship.
Supporters have pushed back strongly against narratives suggesting Galadima is an “imposed” candidate. Mr. Dauda, a vocal supporter, dismissed such claims as opposition tactics designed to distract voters.
They are in good terms with Gov. Fintiri, Ribadu and that doesn’t mean he is being imposed. Do you expect him to be fighting?
“Everything is possible when it comes to Nigerian politics. People can say anything just to distract voters. Our leader Galadima is capable of winning his seat without depending on sponsors.
“They are in good terms with Gov. Fintiri, Ribadu and that doesn’t mean he is being imposed. Do you expect him to be fighting? Of course not. We are going to win the gubernatorial election from the poll direct,” Dauda asserted.
Another supporter, Mallam Aminu, expressed disappointment at the attacks. “It is unfortunate that people have left their campaign and are attacking someone that is busy mobilizing.
“Galadima is a man loved by all across the state because he has done well in the past, and we want him to do more as governor. We’ll keep on with our grassroots mobilization while they waste their time on distractions,” he said.
Galadima himself highlighted his harmonious relationships across the political divide. “I have good relationships with everybody. Even my fellow aspirants can attest to that. I have no godfather; I only enjoy cordial ties built over years of service and interaction.”
“Galadima’s profile as a technocrat with a track record in oil and gas development, human capacity building through PTDF, and quiet but impactful philanthropy in Adamawa sets him apart.”
His declaration in Yola earlier this month drew large crowds, with chants of support echoing through the streets.
Galadima has repeatedly stressed continuity and improvement. He aims to consolidate developmental gains while introducing fresh ideas to tackle unemployment, infrastructure gaps, education, and healthcare—priorities he has discussed extensively during ward-to-ward and community engagements.
Critics who peddle the “imposition” narrative, supporters argue, are merely reacting to the momentum Galadima is building independently.
“Our focus remains on the people. The streets, the markets, the villages—these are where real support lies, not in Abuja or any single power broker,” one campaign coordinator noted.
Galadima’s tireless tours, direct outreach to traditional rulers, and message of service over sponsorship position him as a contender relying on voters’ voices rather than political godfathers.
Whether this people-centered approach will translate into victory remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the former PTDF boss is betting everything on the ordinary people of Adamawa; the farmers, traders, youths, and families, who he believes will ultimately decide the state’s future at the ballot box.
“The political environment is often dominated by elite calculations, but our stance offers a refreshing counter-narrative: governance by the people, for the people, without strings attached from above.
“My gubernatorial ambition will not destroy the good relationships I have built with people from all corners of Adamawa, but my allegiance remains firmly with the voters of the state,” Galadima concluded.
Neither Mallam Nuhu Ribadu nor Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri was reachable for comment when contacted by Tgnews.
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