By Musa Usman Terrang, PhD
Comrade Mustapha Salihu, Esq., PhD, born on December 17, 1976, in Jimeta, Adamawa State, is one of the aspirants positioning himself for the governorship of Adamawa State in the upcoming political cycle.
A native of the state with roots across various communities, he has built a career spanning military service, academia, law, business, and politics.
His early professional path included service in the Nigerian Army, where he focused on operational training, special warfare instruction, and garrison administration before voluntarily leaving the force. This period emphasized discipline and contributions to military capacity building.
Academically, Salihu pursued studies in areas such as crime management, sociology, education, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and strategic studies.
He earned a PhD specializing in internal security and terrorism, with research centering on insurgency, counterterrorism, and national security issues in Nigeria. He also holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and is called to the Nigerian Bar, enabling him to engage in legal practice, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution.
In the private sector, he worked in pension administration, oil and gas marketing, and banking, including senior managerial roles overseeing business development in the North East.
He later established Barde Brothers Multiservices Limited, an indigenous company involved in construction and information technology, which he led for several years. He currently operates as Lead Partner at Mustapha Salihu and Partners, a law firm.
Salihu maintains broad networks nationally and internationally, linking him to figures in security, policy, academia, business, and politics—connections that could support collaborative efforts if he assumes public office.
Politically, he has been active within the All Progressives Congress (APC), serving in zonal and national roles, including a stint as Acting National Secretary and involvement in presidential campaign coordination. He has contested elections in the past and held positions on governing boards of federal agencies.
Recent reports indicate his role as National Vice Chairman (North-East) of the APC, though he has faced party-related challenges, including a suspension in prior years over alleged anti-party activities.
Outside formal roles, Salihu is known for youth mentorship, empowerment initiatives, and community support efforts, often carried out discreetly.
He has published scholarly articles around 22 internationally and has forthcoming books on security management. He holds traditional titles: Barden Jimeta and Sa’i Adamawa, awarded by the Lamido of Adamawa in recognition of his contributions.
Professionally, he is affiliated with bodies such as the Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (fellow and Professional Fellowship Doctorate holder), Institute of Corporate Executives of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Human Capital Development of Nigeria, International Law Association, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, Mediation Training Institute, and Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
As he pursues the governorship, Salihu’s stated priorities include inclusive governance, security improvements, youth development, economic opportunities, and social cohesion areas informed by his diverse background in security, law, and administration. Whether these translate into broader appeal will depend on ongoing political dynamics in Adamawa State.
Join our Telegram group and receive breaking and trending news updates directly on your phone.
Join for News Updates ✕
