Bakari Declares Intention to Run for Adamawa Governorship Poll on APC Platform

Dr. Salihu Bakari has officially declared his intention to contest the governorship of Adamawa State, running on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC). At a press conference in Yola, Bakari unveiled a comprehensive policy blueprint centered on transforming the state's education sector, revolutionizing agriculture, and fostering human capital development. He articulated that his decision to run is fueled by years of dedicated public service and an intimate understanding of the challenges confronting Adamawa.

Bakari emphasized his vision for Adamawa, which involves building upon existing achievements while introducing innovative policies to steer the state towards sustainable growth. He stressed the critical need for experienced leadership possessing both technical expertise and the political resolve to address systemic issues. His career, spanning teaching, lecturing, policy advising, and serving as commissioner for local government, has equipped him with a unique blend of academic insight and governance experience, which he believes are essential for tackling the state's complex problems.

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Our education system has many challenges, but it also presents opportunities for transformation. We were able to expand infrastructure, improve teacher welfare, and create a more inclusive learning environment. These experiences have prepared me for the bigger task ahead.

Recounting his achievements in the education sector, Bakari pointed to his role in expanding learning infrastructure and enhancing access to quality education, citing the construction of thousands of classrooms and the training of over 15,000 teachers during his tenure. He also noted the establishment of new graduate schools to bolster the system's capacity and the resolution of long-standing teacher promotion issues, which significantly boosted morale. Bakari asserted that these experiences have prepared him for the greater responsibilities of the governorship, stating, “Our education system has many challenges, but it also presents opportunities for transformation. We were able to expand infrastructure, improve teacher welfare, and create a more inclusive learning environment. These experiences have prepared me for the bigger task ahead.”

Furthermore, Bakari highlighted his contributions as commissioner for local government, where he implemented cashless systems and accountability measures to improve financial management and grassroots service delivery, thereby enhancing transparency at the local level. He also noted support for healthcare initiatives, including funding for hospitals and expanded access to services. Building on this record, Bakari pledged to provide free and quality primary education for all children, overhaul secondary schools with modern facilities, and strengthen higher education institutions. He also committed to targeted interventions for rural development, addressing healthcare disparities and poor living conditions in underserved areas, and tackling youth unemployment through skills programs and enterprise support. Women's empowerment was also identified as a central pillar of his administration, with a focus on expanding economic opportunities to create a multiplier effect for families and communities.

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He stressed that the state needs tested leadership with both technical depth and political will.