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What began as traditional Sallah celebrations in Yola turned into a resounding show of support for Dr. Salihu Girie Bakari, a prominent governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for 2027, as high-profile endorsements poured in from across the state.
Dr Bakari, an experienced educationist, former Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB), former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Higher Education and current Director of Research and Development/Centres of Excellence at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in Abuja, has used the festive period to engage extensively with stakeholders, citizens and community leaders.
The highlight was the strong support from former Education Secretaries representing all 21 local government areas of Adamawa State.
They hailed Dr. Bakari as an outstanding educator and administrator who has built a formidable political and professional network over the years through dedicated service.
Shuaibu Alhaji Yahaya Gombi, former Education Secretary of Gombi Local Government, described him as “an unforgettable leader in the education sector, an excellent leader, a team player and a master of supervision”.
He added, “He will turn Adamawa upside down if we give him the opportunity,” crediting Bakari’s visionary mandate at ADSUBEB for transformative reforms in infrastructure, teacher employment, training and provision of furniture in primary and secondary schools across the state.
Augustine Ayuba, another former Education Minister and former Commissioner for Border Integration, Youth and Sports of Toungo Local Government, praised Bakari as “a peg in a round hole” with an unmatched ability to “change the narrative” and “recreate history” in Adamawa.
“The quality of an educator lies in him: he always accompanies everyone with a listening ear. He will govern Adamawa to the envy of everyone,” Ayuba said, recalling how Bakari created over 1,000 job vacancies in Toungo, a historically underserved area, while serving as logistics manager.
A delegation of former permanent secretaries visited Dr Bakari’s residence in Yola during the Sallah greetings, pledging unwavering loyalty and willingness to support his vision of becoming the next governor.
They affirmed him as “the most qualified” and pledged to rally alongside him to strengthen and reposition the APC as the dominant force in the state.
In a vibrant display of grassroots solidarity, women leaders from the Chamba communities of Ganye, Jada and Toungo, dressed in colorful traditional clothing, stormed her home to declare their full support.
They vowed to support Dr Bakari regardless of other Ganye Kingdom aspirants, highlighting his inclusive approach and proven track record.
The approvals come amid growing momentum for Dr. Bakari’s “Adamawa Transformation Mission,” which focuses on security, education, health, economic vitality, peace, prosperity and equal opportunities for all, regardless of ethnicity, religion or gender.
His vast experience; from the SUBEB reforms that earned him the nickname “Education Ambassador” to senior roles at TETFund, have positioned him as a contender for the 2027 APC.
As political activities in Adamawa intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, interactions with Sallah signal strong cross-party support for Dr Bakari, with supporters dubbing him “He is the man” for the future leadership of the state.
Dr. Bakari has not issued a formal response to the endorsements at the time of this report, but sources close to his movement indicate that the outburst has further energized his campaign.
