The Party Must Present a Liberal Candidate Acceptable to All; No Magic to Win – Beti Counsels Adamawa APC

By Emmanuel Kwada

As preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, a prominent voice within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State has urged the party leadership to adopt a strategic approach to selecting its gubernatorial candidate to enhance the party’s chances of reclaiming power in the state.

In a detailed opinion piece titled “Adamawa: APC, Aspirants and 2027”, Usman Santuraki Beti, writing from No. 2 Santuraki Close, Demsawo, Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa State, emphasized that the stakes are exceptionally high for the APC ahead of the polls. With no fewer than ten aspirants reportedly expressing interest in the party’s governorship ticket, Beti warned that internal divisions could undermine the party’s prospects.

Beti highlighted the party’s national ambition to retain control at the federal level under President Bola Tinubu and expand its influence across states, including those recently gained through defections from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

However, he stressed that success in Adamawa would hinge on a transparent and acrimony-free primary process.

A key recommendation from Beti is zoning the governorship ticket to the Adamawa Central Senatorial Zone, which comprises seven local government areas: Fufore, Gombi, Girei, Hong, Song, Yola North, and Yola South.

He noted that since the return to democracy in 1999, this zone has never produced a governor of Adamawa State, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among its residents.

“Right now the people from the central zone are not satisfied with what is going on, since the inception of the democracy in 1999 because the zone has never produced a Governor,” Beti wrote.

He argued that fielding a candidate from this zone would energize voters there and deliver massive support to the APC.

Beyond zoning, Beti advocated for a “liberal candidate” with an unblemished track record in public service—one who is acceptable to the state’s diverse ethnic groups, including minorities and the Hausa/Fulani communities. Such a candidate, he said, should be “blended in all ramifications” with no questions about integrity or inclusivity.

“There is no any magic wand for the party in coasting to victory rather putting it’s act together and do the needful by ensuring a credible person with untainted record in the eyes of the people with considerable interest of Adamawa Central Senatorial Zone,” Beti asserted.

He called on major stakeholders, including National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu (a prominent figure from Adamawa), party leaders, and supporters to unite behind a “sellable” candidate who shares a vision for the state’s future.

Beti cautioned that failure to prioritize these factors—zoning to the Central Zone, transparency, and selecting an inclusive, untainted aspirant—would jeopardize the APC’s chances in 2027.

He described the current political climate in the state as “freaky,” urging the party to address grievances and consolidate its position.

The opinion comes amid reports of an influx of new members and aspirants into the Adamawa APC, including recent declarations such as that of Engr. Diaulhaq Abubakar, who was welcomed by the state chairman. Speculation also persists about potential high-profile defections to the party, though the PDP remains in control under Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

Beti’s counsel underscores a growing push within the APC for equity, unity, and strategic candidate selection as the race for the Adamawa Government House heats up.