“Some Adamawa Guber Aspirants Can’t Even Win Councillorship – It’s Just Noise,” Fintiri’s Aide Berates Declaration Spree

By Emmanuel Kwada

A top aide to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has sharply criticised the growing list of 2027 gubernatorial aspirants in Adamawa State, dismissing many of their declarations as empty noise and questioning their ability to win even a local councillorship seat.

The scathing remark, which has sparked fresh debate in political circles, underscores the widening gap between loud political ambition and actual grassroots strength as the race for Adamawa Government House begins to heat up.

In a hard-hitting opinion piece published on April 9, 2026, in The Finder newspaper titled “Adamawa 2027 and the Comedy of Gubernatorial Aspirants”, Kumagar described the unfolding political drama in the state as “a theatre of the absurd” rather than a serious leadership contest.

He argued that while declarations of interest, press statements, and staged consultations have created the illusion of a competitive field, much of the activity lacks substance.

“It is, frankly, laughable that many of those publicly declaring their intention to govern Adamawa would struggle to win even a councillorship election in their respective local government areas,” the opinion piece stated.

“Electoral strength is not built on noise or visibility alone; it rests on verifiable grassroots support — something a number of these aspirants have never tested.”

The writer further noted that some aspirants have held previous positions through appointment or political patronage rather than popular mandate, making their current statewide ambitions appear overstated.

A key highlight of the opinion is the distinction between merely announcing interest and demonstrating real commitment.

With the All Progressives Congress (APC) expected to release its governorship nomination forms soon, the article warned that many loud declarants may lack the financial and organisational capacity to even purchase the forms.

“Once the forms go on sale, the field will thin dramatically,” it predicted. “The rhetoric will give way to reality, and many of today’s ‘aspirants’ will quietly recalibrate… It will not be surprising to hear a wave of statements along the lines of ‘I have stepped down for so-and-so’.”

The opinion also identified two categories among the aspirants: genuine contenders with structure and resources, and others whose role appears to be that of “jesters and spoilers” meant to divide votes, test alliances, or serve hidden interests.

Governor Fintiri himself has repeatedly maintained a position of neutrality, stating publicly that he has not endorsed or anointed any candidate for the 2027 governorship or other positions.

He has urged all aspirants to seek support directly from the people rather than relying on perceived backing from Government House.

Until then, many believe the current spectacle remains more about ego, relevance, and positioning than a genuine battle of ideas and competence.

The electorate, the opinion piece concluded, must look beyond the noise: “Leadership is too serious a responsibility to be reduced to theatrics.”

Further reactions from declared aspirants and political stakeholders are expected in the coming days as the countdown to the primaries intensifies.