ADAMAWA AFTER THE SUPREME COURT VERDICT

The legal battle for the Adamawa governorship seat has come to an end with the Supreme Court’s judgement of January 10th and 31st, 2024. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri triumphed over both the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Dr. Umar Ardo, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Aishatu Dahiru Binani.

The fabric of Adamawa peace was never shaken, like when the suspended Adamawa INEC Residents Electoral Commissioner (REC), Ari Hudu, unilaterally, based on a mutilated paper with jotted results, announced Aishatu Binani as the winner of the April 15th, 2023, gubernatorial rerun election. However, two factors prevented a social disorder in Adamawa State:  the incumbent governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, maintained composure and calmness and acted responsibly, and the public refrained from being provoked. Additionally, well-meaning stakeholders advocated for peace and urged for the correct procedures and processes to be followed.

Moreover, the Supreme Court has now condemned Hudu’s actions, labelling them as irresponsible. In response, Governor Fintiri has expressed his government’s intention to prosecute Hudu’s associates.

Now that Governor Fintiri has solidified his legal authority over his mandate, the focus will automatically shift towards governance rather than politics. This entails the continuation of implementing policies, delivering on campaign promises, addressing the needs of the people, and ensuring efficient administration of the state.

The political landscape in Adamawa has shifted significantly from its previous trajectory. Since 2003, the state has been characterised by a divide between “Abuja politicians” and “home politicians.” Governors have often found themselves distracted by the so-called “Abuja politicians,” whose political survival and pocket’s interests rely on fostering fabricated or genuine disagreements between the sitting governor and individuals holding positions at the centre.

Now that Governor Fintiri is having no fights or disagreements with anyone and he is enjoying a harmonious relationship with key figures in Abuja, such as the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of Education Tahir Mamman, as well as several APC stakeholders, the time has come to put an end to any efforts to sow discord and unnecessary distractions. Additionally, all PDP stakeholders stood with Governor Fintiri throughout the election period and the prolonged legal battles. Notable figures include PDP state chairman A. T. Shehu; State Organising Secretary, Hamza Madagali; Deputy National Treasurer Adamu Kamale, and stakeholders like Alh Musa Garba, Stephen Maduwa, Buba Shafani, and many more. On the government side, the Deputy Governor, SSG, and Chief of Staff demonstrated exemplary leadership in supporting the administration to succeed in new frontiers.

With the Supreme Court’s verdict, it’s now time for development in Adamawa. In the next three years, Governor Fintiri will focus on governance to sustain progress in infrastructure, human capital, and maintaining a peaceful environment.

Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja, zaymohd@yahoo.com