Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, buzzed with activity on Saturday as Abdulrahman Bashir Haske formally announced his intention to compete for the governorship in the 2027 elections under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner. He presented a detailed development plan aimed at fostering inclusive growth and lasting prosperity for the state.
The declaration event, held at the prominent Mahmud Ribadu Square in Yola, drew a large crowd of party supporters, traditional and religious leaders, youth and women groups, diaspora representatives, and APC stakeholders from all 21 local government areas of Adamawa, along with national and regional dignitaries. The gathering also included representatives from the City Boy Movement (CBM), over 265 women’s associations, and supporters from various parts of the country.
Speaking to the enthusiastic audience, Mr. Haske characterized the occasion as both significant and personal, highlighting a deep-seated connection to Adamawa State. He mentioned his upbringing, business ventures, and enduring commitment to the state's future.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for implementing crucial national reforms and acknowledged Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for establishing important foundations in governance and infrastructure.
Mr. Haske also commended the APC's national leadership and the newly installed state executives, led by Hamza Bello, expressing strong confidence in their ability to ensure a fair environment for all aspirants, thereby promoting the party's development.
His declaration was marked by the unveiling of his 'ADAMAW A First Agenda,' a strategic seven-point policy framework designed to tackle the state's pressing economic, social, and security challenges. He emphasized that Adamawa's next development phase must be characterized by continuity, innovation, and leadership focused on its people.
Under the pillar of Agriculture and Agro Industry, Mr. Haske pledged to modernize the sector into a significant wealth generator. His targets include achieving a ₦300 billion export-oriented economy, creating one million jobs, and establishing a ₦200 billion agricultural guarantee fund. He cited the successful establishment of a 48,000-tonne-per-annum rice processing mill in the Northeast as proof of his ability to deliver tangible development results.
Regarding Development and Infrastructure, he committed to equitable infrastructure deployment based on need. This includes rehabilitating at least 25 kilometers of roads annually in every local government area, expanding renewable energy sources, improving access to clean water, and enhancing digital connectivity to integrate Adamawa's youth into the global economy.
His Access to Social Development plan prioritizes human capital development. Plans involve renovating 500 schools, recruiting 3,000 teachers with STEM qualifications, and extending the Adamawa Health Insurance Scheme to cover one million residents within three years, with a particular focus on the elderly and vulnerable populations.
Concerning Meaningful Youth Inclusion, Mr. Haske asserted that youth engagement would move beyond mere statements to concrete actions, ensuring access to capital, skill development, and technology-driven governance. He pointed out that over 60 percent of Adamawa's population is under thirty and should be central to policy creation and execution.
Furthermore, he pledged Accountable and Inclusive Governance, including a strict stance against corruption, digital tracking of public funds, transparent budgeting, and performance-driven leadership. For Wealth Creation and Economic Empowerment, he detailed plans to attract investors through public-private partnerships and integrate all local governments into the state's economic value chain.
Addressing security matters, Mr. Haske proposed the creation of an Adamawa Security Trust Fund to modernize security operations and bolster intelligence- led policing, alongside promoting ongoing dialogue to resolve communal disputes.
Mr. Haske described his ambition as a commitment to the people, stating he seeks the honor of service rather than power for its own sake, and promised a leadership grounded in unity, transparency, and shared prosperity.
The event was attended by prominent figures including the APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel; his Northern Deputy, Jamaludeen Kabiru; former Senator Binta Garba; the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Development, Titilope Gbadamosi; and the Director General of the National Gallery of Art, Ahmad Sodangi, among other dignitaries.
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