Nura Abdullahi

Yola — The Adamawa State capital, Yola, was abuzz with excitement on Saturday as Abdulrahman Bashir Haske formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), unveiling an ambitious development blueprint aimed at driving inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity.

KANO FOCUS reports that the declaration, held at the Mahmud Ribadu Square, drew a large crowd of party faithful, traditional and religious leaders, youth and women groups, diaspora representatives, and APC stakeholders from all 21 local government areas of the state. National and sub-national political figures, alongside members of the City Boy Movement and over 265 women associations, were also in attendance.

A statement issued by Haske’s publicity secretary, Abdulgaffar Ahmed, on Saturday said, Haske described the moment as both historic and deeply personal, emphasizing his longstanding connection to Adamawa. He noted that he was born and raised in the state and has built his business interests there, reaffirming his commitment to its future development.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he termed bold national reforms, while also acknowledging Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for laying key foundations in governance and infrastructure. Haske further praised the state APC leadership led by Hamza Bello, expressing confidence in their ability to ensure a level playing field for aspirants.

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of Haske’s “A.D.A.M.A.W.A First Agenda,” a seven-point policy framework targeting key economic, social, and security challenges. He said the next phase of the state’s development must be anchored on continuity, innovation, and people-focused leadership.

Under agriculture, Haske pledged to transform the sector into a modern, wealth-generating industry, with a target of a ₦300 billion export economy, one million jobs, and a ₦200 billion agricultural guarantee fund. He referenced his role in establishing a 48,000-tonne-per-annum rice processing mill in the North-East as evidence of his capacity to deliver.

On infrastructure, he promised equitable development across all local government areas, including the rehabilitation of at least 25 kilometres of roads annually per council, expansion of renewable energy, improved access to clean water, and enhanced digital connectivity.

His social development plan includes rehabilitating 500 schools, recruiting and training 3,000 STEM teachers, and expanding the state health insurance scheme to cover one million residents within three years, with a focus on vulnerable populations.

Haske also emphasized youth inclusion, noting that more than 60 percent of Adamawa’s population is under 30. He pledged to provide access to funding, skills development, and technology-driven opportunities to ensure meaningful participation in governance and economic activities.

On governance, he promised transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance for corruption, including digital tracking of public funds and open budgeting. He also outlined plans for economic empowerment through public-private partnerships and broader integration of local governments into the state’s economic value chain.

Addressing security concerns, the aspirant proposed the establishment of an Adamawa Security Trust Fund to strengthen intelligence-led policing and support conflict resolution through dialogue.

Describing his ambition as a covenant with the people, Haske said he was seeking the opportunity to serve with integrity, unity, and a commitment to shared prosperity.

Dignitaries at the event included APC National Youth Leader Dayo Israel; his Northern Deputy, Jamaludeen Kabiru; former Senator Binta Masi 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 others.