Opinions

Adamawa APC 2027: The odds favour Comrade Mustapha Salihu

May 16, 2026

By Ahmad Sajoh

Yesterday I had a very interesting conversation with Comrade Salihu Mustapha one of the aspirants for the governorship of Adamawa state under the APC. That conversation brought a totally new perspectives to my understanding of the person he is. I have always known him as a democrat and a party man. But yesterday that position was lifted a notch higher.

There are a lot of toxic narratives flying around within the public space in Adamawa state about the aspirations of the contending persons. So many of the supposed social media warriors of the other contestants and even some Radio commentators are using insultive words, uncouth language and negative narratives to describe opponents. Salihu Mustapha told me in unmistakable terms that “as the head of our media team make sure none of our media persons both on radio and social media says anything negative against any aspirant”

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He didnt stop there. He went further to remind me that “this is an in-house contest. Whoever wins must be supported by the others as loyal party members. If it happens to be someone else other than us, we must rally round the person” in effect it will be shameful to denigrate someone and later work for that same person. Only a patriotic person with clear understanding of democracy will reason this way in a system full of toxicity in narratives by young people who think that loyalty to an aspirant requires pouring invectives on opponents.

It is instructive to observe that Comrade Salihu Mustapha has been consistent in his political trajectory believing in loyalty and obedience to leadership at all times. For 10 years he held on to the position of party leadership at the National level against so many odds. As National Vice Chairman North East of the APC he held his mettle very well even acting as National Secretary briefly. From his days as a CPC member to the leadership of APC he had held every party member as family. No active APC partyman or woman in Adamawa state will claim that Salihu Mustapha cannot recognize him or her by name or by face.

For someone whom the odds favour clearly, talking with a reconciliatory tune speaks volumes of his humility, political sagacity and democratic credentials. A true democrat thinks of the whole political family rather than self. A statesman thinks of people rather than victory. A winner believes in uniting the polity instead of taking away the prize of victory. That is the first sign of a victor.

The odds favour Comrade Salihu Mustapha because every contestant going to solicit for support from the party leadership at the state, local government or ward level will go for introductions. He or she will first familiarise themselves with the party leaders. In contrast Salihu Mustapha will be going to visit colleagues who were exco partners. That is a huge advantage. He doesn’t waste time proving what he stands for, they already know. He held the party, supported the members, intervened when necessary and even extended several goodwill gestures to women and youth within the party. No doubt that is a huge advantage. Hard to beat and difficult to hide.

Second odd in favour of Salihu Mustapha is the confidence of all leaders of the party at the National level. When Comrade Salihu Mustapha campaigns for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election it will not be like a stranger singing an unfamiliar tune. It is a tune he has been singing times without number. It resonates both here in Adamawa and over there in Abuja. He doesn’t pretend about it for votes attraction, he does it with conviction. All our leaders in Abuja know this especially the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the National Chairman APC Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.

Since the coming of the Governor Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintri into the APC and his ascension into the leadership of the party, he has become the most consequential factor in determining candidates within the party. This is because he is known as a mobilizer, a thoroughbred grassroots politician and a strategist. In addition his sterling performance as governor stands him out as one who commands a huge quantum of loyalty. His followers say ” kafarka kafarmu” meaning wherever you step, that’s where we will step as well. The relationship between Fintiri and Comrade go a long way back and is defined by mutual respect. Hence the Governor surrendered his house for Comrade Salihu Mustapha to stay while on a night stopover in Mubi. That is how deep the relationship is. If Governor Fintiri throws his weight behind Comrade, then it’s a huge advantage. Certainly he will disposed to doing so.

The Adamawa state House of Assembly led by the Rt. Hon. Speaker Batiya Wesley have mostly thrown their weight behind Comrade Salihu Mustapha. For people who are seeking re-elections themselves to still express open support for an aspirant speaks volumes of their confidence in the support of their people towards the candidate. If they knew their candidature will be adversely affected by identifying with Comrade Salihu Mustapha they will not be so open. The endorsement of most members of the state Assembly is premised on the fact that in their constituencies Comrade is the preferred choice. That is one odd in favour of Salihu Mustapha you can take to the bank.

The fact that Salihu Mustapha was a Student Union leader means that the younger generation understand exactly what he stands for. Mobilizing “the great Nigerian Students” at this point in time when the youth demography holds consequential advantage within the political space means a lot for any campaign. That advantage for now belongs to comrade Salihu Mustapha.

Another advantage though often overlooked is the courage to face adversity and the capacity to ensure disciple even within an organic crowd generated by the goodwill of the people. Moving through the dark bushes of Dumne road in the dead of the night requires uncommon courage. But Salihu Mustapha did it late at night. It was a glaring display of uncommon courage and a belief that there is a shared fortune with ordinary citizens. And within the campaign train everyone is considered important but all boundaries are respected. Narratives are coordinated, opponents are respected and institutional order maintained.

Lastly beyond all the advantages he enjoys in political terms what other capacities stand him out as a preferred candidate. Mustapha Salihu represents the true Adamawa spirit. Born, bred and raised in Jimeta Yola North Local Government he is a true son of Yola. With his father being a Kilba from Hong, he is a son of Hong. With a Fulani mother from Malabu he is a son of Fufore. His mothers roots coming from Mayo Belwa he is equally the son of Mayo Belwa. Inclusion, inter-ethnic bridge building and mutual understanding defines his person, personality and character.

And the last word. Comrade Salihu Mustapha has a first Degree, second Degree and PhD in Security studies and conflict resolution. He equally has an LLB Degree in Law with a BL after being called to the Bar as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He has a distinguished service record in the Military which makes him fearless and a Banking career that taught the value of trust. He holds the prestigious title of Sa’i Adamawa, Galadima Hong among many other chieftaincy titles.

For the APC Gubernatorial primaries, when the chips are down, the odds definitely favour Comrade Salihu Mustapha.

_Ahmad Sajoh, fnipr writes from 35 Oran Sreet Wuse Zone one Abuja and can be reached on aisajo2@gmail.com_