…Promise Security, Poverty Reduction
Two governorship aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba from Yobe State and former Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Chairman, Dr Salihu Bakar Girei on Monday declared their readiness to contest the 2027 governorship elections in their respective states after submitting their Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.
Former IGP Alkali Baba, who is seeking the APC governorship ticket in Yobe State, said he joined the race to consolidate on the achievements of the incumbent administration and improve the living conditions of the people.
Speaking after submitting his forms, the retired police boss said he possessed the experience, credibility and leadership qualities needed to govern the state effectively.
“I am contesting because I want to continue and improve on where the present governor, who is going to retire by 2027, will stop,” he said.
The former police chief identified security as his top priority, stressing that no meaningful development could take place in an atmosphere of insecurity.
According to him, his administration, if elected, would focus on agriculture, education, healthcare and employment generation for youths.
“We are in a very agrarian state. We want to improve the quality of education, agriculture, health and everything that will touch humanity, particularly things that will create employment for our young people,” he stated.
On the issue of a purported consensus arrangement in Yobe APC, Alkali Baba dismissed claims that a candidate had already emerged, insisting that he neither participated in nor agreed to any consensus process.
“If I believed in it, I would not be here. I have not participated in any consensus meeting and I have not agreed to support anybody,” he declared.
Meanwhile, an APC governorship aspirant in Adamawa State, Dr Salihu Bakar Girei, expressed confidence that the party’s primary election process would be transparent and credible.
Girei, who submitted his forms in Abuja, said President Bola Tinubu’s democratic credentials and the provisions of the Electoral Act had strengthened his confidence in a free and fair contest.
“I am very much convinced that it is an open race because Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a true democrat who fought for democracy throughout his life,” he said.
He commended the APC for what he described as a transparent and seamless process for the collection and submission of nomination forms.
According to him, 120 party members drawn from the 21 local government areas of Adamawa State endorsed his aspiration.
Outlining his vision for the state, Girei said his administration would prioritise poverty reduction, education, youth empowerment, women development and agriculture.
“My vision is for a united and prosperous Adamawa State. Poverty can be addressed through free quality education and empowering young people with skills for self-employment,” he stated.
He also highlighted his achievements in public service, including the construction of over 5,000 classrooms, the establishment of schools and the implementation of apprenticeship programmes aimed at empowering youths across Adamawa State.
