By Shehu Umar Girei
YOLA, ADAMAWA STATE — In a thunderous show of political force and grassroots appeal, prominent philanthropist and business mogul, Honourable Abdulrahman Bashir Haske, has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the 2027 Adamawa State governorship race under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The historic declaration at the iconic Mahmud Ribado Square transformed the heart of Yola into a carnival of power, unity, and political anticipation. Thousands of supporters, party stalwarts, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders from all 21 local government areas surged to the venue, painting the atmosphere in vibrant APC colours amid pulsating drums, chants, and electrifying solidarity songs.
Standing before the roaring crowd, Haske delivered a message that blended continuity with ambition. He paid glowing tribute to the incumbent governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, applauding his strides in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which he described as “a solid foundation for the future.” He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for steering national economic reforms aimed at revitalizing growth and stability.
But beyond commendation, Haske unveiled a bold vision.
Renowned for his far-reaching philanthropic footprint—spanning education, healthcare, and youth empowerment—Haske declared that his ambition is driven by a mission to deepen development and expand opportunity. He pledged a transformative agenda anchored on agricultural revolution, massive infrastructure expansion, stable electricity, world-class healthcare delivery, and access to clean water across both rural and urban communities.
In a defining moment of his speech, Haske placed the youth at the very heart of his proposed administration.
“The youths of Adamawa are not just leaders of tomorrow—they are partners in progress today,” he declared to resounding applause. “My government will open the doors for them to lead, innovate, and shape the future of our state.”
Adding political weight to the moment, Senator Binta Mercy Garba, in her goodwill message, described Haske as a rare blend of capacity, compassion, and commitment. She urged party faithful to rally behind him, emphasizing that leadership is a sacred trust that must be entrusted to those with genuine passion for the people.
“Adamawa deserves a leader who feels the pulse of the masses—and Haske embodies that spirit,” she affirmed.
In a striking moment of bipartisan acknowledgment, former Adamawa PDP Chairman, Barrister AT Shehu, commended Governor Fintiri’s people-oriented governance, noting that development has reached every ward in the state. He challenged Haske to sustain and surpass that legacy.
“Governance must remain about the people. Any leader aspiring to succeed must be ready to touch lives at the grassroots,” he stated, drawing widespread applause.
The event, rich in symbolism and political undertones, underscored a rare cross-party recognition of performance, even as the battle lines for 2027 begin to take shape.
APC leaders at both state and national levels seized the moment to hail Haske’s entry into the race, describing it as a significant boost to the party’s electoral fortunes. The square reverberated with celebration as supporters waved flags and danced, heralding what many called “the dawn of a new political era” in Adamawa.
Observers say the declaration signals not just an ambition, but the opening salvo in what promises to be a fiercely contested APC primary. With his blend of philanthropy, grassroots connection, and political capital, Haske is already being tipped as a formidable frontrunner.
As the curtains fell on the high-octane event, a clear message echoed across the square: unity, mobilization, and an unyielding resolve to capture power in 2027. The road to Government House, Yola, has officially begun—and the battle lines are drawn.
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