A governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, Suleiman Yerima Balla, has stated that supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar should recognise that the 2023 general election marked the peak of his political influence in the state.
Balla made the remarks on Monday during a press briefing in Yola, where he officially declared his intention to contest the Adamawa governorship seat while expressing confidence that the state would deliver strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
He described Atiku as a respected political figure and acknowledged past electoral support from Adamawa residents but argued that political dynamics in the state have since shifted.
According to him, the former Vice President had benefited significantly from the state’s backing over multiple election cycles, adding that future elections would reflect a different political reality.
Balla also pointed to recent developments within the state’s political landscape, including the reported movement of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri into the APC, which he said has strengthened the ruling party’s structure in Adamawa.
He stated that the APC now operates as a more unified political bloc in the state and would collectively support the President’s re-election bid.
During the event, the governorship aspirant also unveiled a nine-point agenda focusing on security, agriculture, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, infrastructure development, industrialisation, civil service reform, digital governance, and tourism.
He emphasised that agriculture would be a key driver of economic growth in his proposed administration, with plans to support farmers to boost food production across the state.
On education, he promised reforms aimed at improving access, upgrading school infrastructure, and enhancing teacher training to ensure better learning outcomes for students.
