Adamawa 2027: It’s an Open Race, Salihu Jere Says After Submitting APC Nomination Forms
By Kevin Stella Kita
Dr. Salihu Jere, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Adamawa State, has expressed confidence that the party’s 2027 primary election will be transparent, free and competitive, describing the contest as “an open race.”
Speaking with journalists after submitting his nomination forms, Jere said he had no doubt the process would be credible under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC.
“I am convinced that this is an open race,” he said. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a democrat who fought for democracy over the years. He stood against military dictatorship and against the excesses of one-party dominance. I have every reason to believe that there will be a free and fair contest.”
He added that the eventual winner of the primary would emerge through the votes of APC members across Adamawa State.
On the nomination process, Jere described it as transparent and seamless, noting that party members were adequately informed from the outset.
“The process was very clear and open. It was advertised, account details were provided for payment, and after payment the forms were issued. It was straightforward,” he said.
According to him, 120 party members drawn from the 21 local government areas of Adamawa State endorsed his nomination, while the completed forms were returned without difficulty.
Jere said his vision for Adamawa is anchored on unity, economic inclusion and poverty reduction. Adding that despite the state’s rich human and natural resources, poverty remains widespread, making education, youth empowerment, healthcare and agriculture central to his agenda.
“Adamawa is multi-ethnic and multi-religious. We have enormous potential, yet poverty remains high. We must confront that reality,” he said.
He pledged to expand access to quality education for children regardless of their background, strengthen skills acquisition for young people and create opportunities for self-employment. He also stressed the need to empower women through education, vocational training and improved access to healthcare, especially in rural communities.
On agriculture, he said low productivity and declining returns for farmers have worsened hardship in many rural areas.
“Adamawa is an agrarian state. Most of our people are farmers, yet agricultural yields remain low and farmers are becoming poorer. We must change that by improving productivity and ensuring that those who produce food also benefit from it,” he said.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Deere said his humble background shaped his commitment to tackling poverty.
“I understand poverty very well. At the university, I could spend 48 hours without food. For almost a year, I had only two shirts, one trouser and one pair of sandals. That experience has stayed with me, and it is why I am determined to fight poverty,” he said.
