Former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu (rtd), has formally declared his intention to contest the Nasarawa State governorship election, promising to prioritise security and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the party’s direct primaries.

Speaking after announcing his entry into the race, Adamu said his campaign had already commenced mobilisation of supporters across the state in preparation for the primary election.

According to him, his team is fully aware that the governorship primary would be conducted through direct primaries and would intensify consultations and sensitisation of party members before the exercise.

“We have started the process of mobilising our supporters towards the primary election. We are fully aware that the primary election is through direct primaries,” he said.

“We have teaming supporters, and we will go back before the day of the primaries again to sensitise and mobilise our supporters so as to come out on the day of the primary election.”

The former police boss expressed confidence in his chances, stressing that his aspiration was driven by the desire to reposition Nasarawa State for greater development.

Asked what his first priority would be if elected governor, Adamu said security would take precedence over every other agenda item of government.

“Well, I think the first objective when we get there is to talk about security, to make sure that everybody is safe in the state. We need to provide physical security and human security and all aspects of security,” he stated.

According to him, establishing a secure environment would create the foundation for economic growth and infrastructure development across the state.

“The moment we establish a solid foundation of security, it will be very easy for us to achieve other developmental projects for the state. We have a lot of initiatives for women, for the youth and for the economic development of the state,” he added.

Reacting to the endorsement of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada by Governor Abdullahi Sule, Adamu said he was not threatened by the governor’s decision, noting that every individual has the right to support any aspirant of their choice.

“The governor is a human being, just like any other person. And he feels that he has a preferred candidate. So he has the right to do that,” he said.

“All that we want is to appeal to the people in the state for them to give us support.”