By Tom Garba
It’s barely two years and six months to the general elections of 2027, and the political atmosphere in Adamawa State regarding who wants to take over the Governorship seat from Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has begun to sing loud to hearing of everyone.
This medium can tentatively report that there are already Bankers, Senators, and others who are renowned politicians in the State scheming out their ways to ensure that the ticket of their party is given to them to contest the number most enviable seat in the Dougeri seat of power of the state.
In the ever-evolving embroidery of Nigerian politics, Adamawa State always stands at the edge of a significant juncture as it is already preparing for the 2027 governorship race. The political landscape in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) alone is populated by four formidable contenders so far, each with a distinct set of strengths that will shape the state’s trajectory in the coming years. As the political theatre unfolds, the question on everyone’s mind resonates: “Who will the cap fit in 2027?”
CHIEF DR MAURICE VONOBOLKI
One of the pronounced contenders is Chief Dr. Maurice Vonobolki, a seasoned international financial expert who retired as an Assistant General Manager and a Senior Management Committee member in the Nigerian banking industry through his verified social media accounts. He is a contender in Adamawa State’s 2027 governorship election under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The retired professional banker; he currently plays a pivotal role in the World Bank North-East Multisectoral Crisis Recovery Project. His qualifications, including a BSc, MBA in Development Finance, and a PhD in Business Leadership, underscore a wealth of knowledge and experience that positions him as a formidable candidate.
One of the key advantages Maurice Vonobolki brings to the table is his extensive experience as a chartered accountant. This professional background equips him with financial acumen, a crucial aspect in steering the economic trajectory of Adamawa State. His meritorious service in the banking sector further demonstrates a track record of success and commitment to excellence.
However, beyond the realm of professional accomplishments, there is a crucial dimension to Maurice Vonobolki’s candidacy that deserves attention—the call for religious and tribal diversity to advocate for a fair and just representation in leadership. Maurice Vonobolki could offer a fresh perspective and foster inclusivity, ensuring that the aspirations of all Adamawa residents are taken into account.
Many who are advocating for Maurice Vonobolki’s candidacy believe he is a sound politician who can unite a diverse leadership that reflects the demographics of the state and ensures that decisions are made with a comprehensive understanding of the needs and perspectives of all communities.
An opinion writer, Dr. Francis David once authored an article in which he painted Maurice as the best candidate as Adamawa State navigates the path to the 2027 election, the narrative of religious diversity should not be overlooked and Maurice Vonobolki’s candidacy offers an opportunity to bridge religious divides and create an environment of unity and understanding.
Maurice has no doubt assumed a distinct role as a seasoned banker venturing into the political arena. Having contested for the governorship in 2011 and the Senate in 2019, he brings a unique perspective shaped by his financial acumen. His determination to secure electoral victories is evident in his multiple attempts.
Maurice is possibly the most educated among all the visible and known hopeful Governors. He holds an award-winning BSc. MSc, MBA, and PhD. He became a chartered accountant 26 years ago. He is an emerald scholar in many International universities. An author of many books, If you put Maurice as the front burner candidate, he may spring surprises.
MR CALEB ANDREW MYENBANGYARA
Call him a 21st-century successful Banker who attained the managerial level of the Zenith Bank, heading the Adamawa State main Branch in Yola. He has officially intimated to this medium that his head is anointed to wear the cap for the Dougeri seat.
Though Caleb is barely known in the political scene and the rigamarole game of Adamawa State politics, but is well known to have been a good account manager of Adamawa State accounts of two successful administrations. His confidence in getting the PDP ticket is the morale booster his loyalists are using to sway support and woo supporters at the latent stage of the game of politics in Adamawa State.
Caleb, who is from Adamawa Southern Senatorial District and the Bwate kindred, once said his train of leading Adamawa State has since left the station and is headed in the right course. He is now calling as many as possible to join the moving train.
His name is now ringing a bell as the current Manager of the Adamawa Main Branch of the Zenith Bank. His consultation team is working on top gear preaching the message of his intention to be Adamawa’s next Governor. But the question has been can he navigate to political crooked ways? This is a Man that is known to hardly see people and the formation of the PDP structures is not even aware. Caleb is not a Stakeholder in the PDP arithmetics because he is still a banking staff of the Zenith Bank. It’s indeed a journey of political war he embarked on with dire consequences of either he wins, or he loses.
SENATOR IYA ABBAS
Senator Aminu Iya Abbas of the PDP is another echelon contender; though this medium is not credibly informed of his true state of contesting the Coming Governorship seat, his closest associates are preaching his ambition on many of his social media handles.
Is the current Senator Representing Adamawa Central Zone and the former House of Assembly Speaker of the State Haven representing the Uba/Gaya State constituency? Abbas is seen as a dynamic blend encompassing leadership with good acumen of working relationships with the high and lowly. He holds a considerate level of education that can lead well to the number one seat of Adamawa State and has traversed the corridors of power with an impressive track record. From meritorious service at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to multiple terms in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, including a stint as Speaker, Abbas has accrued a wealth of experience.
Abbas is believed to have a profound connection to the grassroots, representing the Adamawa Central Senatorial zone; he has cultivated an intimate understanding of the challenges faced by the people at the local level. This grassroots connection, coupled with his commitment to inclusive governance, positions Abbas as a candidate capable of bridging the gap between the state’s leadership and its diverse populace. His background and experience suggest a leader capable of fostering unity and understanding across various groups. Moreover, Abbas’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond ethnicity to address religious intolerance—an issue that has, at times, strained the state’s social fabric.
A political analyst, Dr KJ Paul once said that it’s in Abbas that the electorate may find a candidate capable of navigating the delicate balance between experience and innovation, tradition and progress. The cap, it seems, may indeed find its perfect fit in Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, heralding a new era of leadership and possibility for Adamawa State. As the electorate navigates the complexities of the political landscape, the contours of the state’s future may well be shaped by the vision, experience, and grassroots connection that Abbas brings to the forefront.
SENATOR ISHAKU ABBO (SIA)
They call him a Lion, a dogged fighter, and a strong voice for the people of Adamawa State. Senator Ishaku Abbo, AKA Cliff, is one of the successful young Nigerian politicians who have gone far in politics because of his hard work, political connections, and affiliation; his vast political experience, knowledge, and arithmetics have made him win Adamawa Northern Senatorial District Two times.
SIA is always described as a dangerous striker who is vocal, challenging, defends, and can go get the gold no matter how much distance is covered. His records while a senator of the Northern Zone still speak volumes for him, and people are hungry for his leadership role.
SIA, who is now a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is not, however, clear, and this medium cannot be the party that is bargaining to contest the number one seat. His present membership status in APC is ceremonial according to one of his loyalists, Drambi Amos, that the Party has not been fair to him. But feelers from other corners are saying the young Adamawa politician may consider dumping the APC and pitching his tent with the Labor Party (LP) to show his political might for the governorship seat.
SIA is one of the promising Adamawa Sons that can bring innovation, development, and progress to the table of Adamawa State leadership; his world connection and the knowledge of giving good leadership strides gave him a vintage position.
HON AUWAL D TUKUR
At the forefront of this political drama is Auwal D. Tukur, the incumbent Secretary to the Government (SSG), whose candidacy relies on the convincing political legacy of his father. Born into a family with a father who served as both Governor of the defunct Gongola state and National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Tukur carries the weight of his familial history.
The advantages are evident—an established political structure and the potential to harness his father’s network. However, in Adamawa, the path is not without thorns always .
Dr KJ Paul in one of his views said Tukur finds himself entangled in a web of controversy regarding his birthplace, with conflicting claims of the Jada and Yola Local Governments. This discord has led to a rejection by the people of Jada and skepticism from those in Yola.
The historical context of his previous claim in 1998 and his current affiliation may pose a significant disadvantage in the central zone, which has never produced a governor. In 1998, Auwal Tukur faced scrutiny over his birthplace when he claimed the central zone. This historical episode, combined with his current alignment with the zone, may not sit well with the central zone voters in the upcoming election. The people of the central zone may be wary of Tukur’s sudden association, questioning the authenticity of his connection and commitment to their interests. The central zone, having never had a governor, is likely to scrutinize Tukur’s intentions closely. The historical grievances and the need for authentic representation make the central zone a critical battleground in the 2027 election.
Tukur’s potential claim to the central zone, given his historical controversy, may not be easily overlooked by voters who seek a candidate genuinely dedicated to the zone’s progress and development. Additionally, Tukur’s governance resume bears the mark of a single term served as a Member of the House of Representatives two decades ago, leaving questions about his preparedness for the challenges of leading a state.
ADAMU ATIKU ABUBAKAR
In a political landscape marked by dynasties, Adamu Atiku Abubakar emerges as one of the contenders, wielding the Atiku surname, synonymous with Nigerian politics. Currently serving as the Commissioner of Works in the State, Adamu brings a youthful exuberance to the table. As the son of former Vice President Waziri Atiku Abubakar, he inherits a legacy loaded with both advantages and challenges. While the Atiku name carries considerable weight, Adamu faces the uphill task of stepping out from his father’s shadow. His relative lack of experience, coupled with a disconnect from grassroots politics, poses challenges in building a broad-based support structure. The question of whether Adamu can carve out his political identity while navigating the difficulties of familial legacies remains unanswered.
SENATOR REV BINOS YARO
Is currently the serving senator representing Adamawa Southern Senatorial Districts and his passion for free medical outreaches over the last five years of his two terms slot are giving him a win- win support from the electorates. His bills for the establishment of University of Education in Numan, his motions for killings attacks of his constituents by unknown gun men are all added advantage to him.
But his inaccessible nature, not picking and returning calls may however turn against him when votes are to be canvased according to one Barr Shagnah Pwamaddi. Else he is a good to go materials for the exalted seat in Adamawa State.
PHARM WAFARI THEMAN
Gentle, but extremely intelligent with unassuming tendencies to break the Camel’s back. Pharm Wafari Theman is an erudite politician who was a former State Lawmaker represented Hong constituency and later became the APC Party secretary, contested the Governorship of the State at primaries level.
He is currently the national party leader of the social Democratic Party, SDP, as national Vice President is believe to have being tip toeing to fight for the gubernatorial seat. An ambition he conceal but feelers around are busy peddling the rumors of his nursing dream of becoming the next governor is possible.
BARR WAKILI BOYA
Boya is a renowned grassroots politician, a mobilizer that has traditional titles of his passion for leadership representing the Federal Constituency of Song and Fufore.
He has endeared himself long ago When he was the Fufore Local Government area Chairman and contested the Adamawa Central zone seat in 2019. He worked well for the masses, and currently is getting the attention of his people for the bills he sponsored that will establish school of nursing in Song and Federal college of Education Technical in Fufore.
He has not declared any attention to run for the seat, but people already are dropping his name for the noble course.
Others like Dr Amos Edgar, Prof Liman Tukur their names are in the public domains of contending for the Dougirei seat but no element of interest is shown from them I can see.
It’s the latent stage of Adamawa State politics building to 2027 Governorship elections. There’s certainly going to be many people with interest from various popular and unpopular political parties to join in the drama of who becomes the next Governor of Adamawa State.
Follow me for constant updates on this developmental political stories in and outside Adamawa State.
Tom Garba, fspsp, plsc, films, FBDFM
A journalist who lives and writes in Yola-Adamawa State