By Emmanuel Kwada
In a star-studded ceremony that drew high-profile political figures, religious leaders, and supporters, Adamawa State Governor Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON, GSSRS, on Monday formally presented his biography titled Fintiri: The Man They Could Not Stop, a compelling account of his political journey, leadership challenges, and the dramatic events surrounding the 2023 governorship election.
The book, authored by veteran journalist and former Director-General of Media and Publicity to the Governor, Chief Solomon Kumangar, was unveiled at an event held at the Muna Hotel Conference Hall in Yola.
It chronicles Governor Fintiri’s rise against fierce opposition, entrenched political resistance, and what he described as repeated attempts to derail his mandate.
Governor Fintiri, in his speech at the presentation, expressed gratitude to attendees and key dignitaries, including the Chairman of the occasion, His Excellency Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State; Keynote Speaker and former Senate President, His Excellency Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON; and book reviewer, Most Reverend Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Founder of the Kukah Centre.
He particularly praised Bishop Kukah for his “characteristic brilliance” in the review and commended Chief Kumangar—whom he has known for nearly 50 years since their days at GDSS Gulak—for his writing prowess and insider perspective drawn from four years as his media director.
“Even though the book carries both my face and my name on its cover, I must confess that I am yet to read it,” Governor Fintiri admitted candidly. “I can only accept the honour of being at the flank of the discussion, but central to the discourse is the 2023 election and its surrounding machinations.”
He described the 2023 governorship race as the “height” of numerous futile attempts to stop him, calling it an “embarrassing” episode for the state, nation, and global democracy. The governor highlighted acts of “treachery, assault, and moral compromise” by what he termed a “bankrupt elite masked as patriots,” while emphasizing the resilience of the Adamawa people and supportive friendships beyond the state.
“If 2023 had not happened, we wouldn’t have known some people for who they are: pretentious, greedy, opportunistic, and desperate, yet crying victim and claiming democratic credentials they are distant from,” he said.
He warned that such “political puppeteers” remain active, shuttling between Yola and Abuja, and urged Nigerians to resist them through votes and exposure rather than relying solely on the justice system.
Governor Fintiri teased that the full story of 2023 remains untold and hinted at his own forthcoming memoir for a comprehensive disclosure. He congratulated the author for pioneering the narrative on his administration’s formative years and the embattled election, noting that more accounts from better-informed sources are expected.
The event featured the book being unveiled by Dr. Mustapha Salihu, APC National Vice Chairman (North-East Zone). Attendees included Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Lamido Adamawa Dr. Muhammadu Barkindo Mustafa, Oyo State Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal (representing Governor Seyi Makinde), royal fathers, party leaders, and other prominent figures.
Governor Sule commended Fintiri’s administration for infrastructure development, education reforms, digital transformation, improved revenue generation, and local government autonomy. Dr. Saraki encouraged Nigerians to read the book as a testament to governance, leadership, and perseverance, while Bishop Kukah lauded its intellectual depth and insight into power, resistance, and Nigeria’s democratic challenges.
Author Chief Solomon Kumangar described the work as an examination of Adamawa’s governance architecture and the political dynamics of the 2023 elections, combining behind-the-scenes accounts with sharp analysis.
The biography has been hailed as more than a personal story—it is positioned as a legacy in print documenting courage, democratic struggle, and the enduring power of the people’s mandate against adversity.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with electoral integrity, the book serves as a timely reflection on resilience in the face of political sabotage.
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