2027: NAMDAS FIRES FIRST SHOT IN ADAMAWA GOVERNORSHIP RACE.
By Zare Baba
The race for the 2027 governorship of Adamawa State has begun to gather momentum as former House of Representatives spokesman Abdulrazak Namdas formally declared his intention to contest the state’s top job.
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Namdas made the declaration Monday night in Abuja during a Ramadan Iftar meeting attended by political associates, friends, and key stakeholders from Adamawa, signaling what observers say could be the opening salvo in what promises to be a fierce political battle ahead of 2027.
The former federal lawmaker said the gathering was convened to formally inform influential political allies of his decision to return to the governorship race after contesting the position in 2023.
“I have spent the past week consulting with our key stakeholders here in Abuja to discuss my aspirations for 2027,” Namdas told the gathering.
“I cannot meet everyone individually, so I invited you here to respectfully inform you of my intention to contest the governorship of our beloved Adamawa State.”
First Major Signal for 2027
Namdas’ declaration is one of the earliest public signals of political ambition ahead of the next governorship cycle in the state, where political calculations have already begun quietly within major parties.
Although he acknowledged the achievements of the current administration, Namdas suggested that Adamawa’s next phase of leadership must go beyond infrastructure development to focus on unlocking the state’s vast economic potential.
He commended the administration of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for what he described as “significant contributions” in infrastructure, education, healthcare, welfare and sports development.
According to him, these achievements were also acknowledged by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a recent visit to the state.
However, he stressed that sustaining and expanding those gains would require new leadership capable of broadening development into agriculture, rural development, security and industrialisation.
“A capable leader is needed to consolidate these gains and further advance progress in other critical sectors,” Namdas said.
At the heart of Namdas’ message was the economic promise of Adamawa, which he said remains largely untapped despite the state’s vast natural endowments.
He pointed to the presence of solid mineral deposits including gypsum, limestone, magnesite, kaolin and bentonite spread across several local government areas such as Gombi, Guyuk, Numan, Lamurde, Ganye and Yola South.
Combined with the state’s strong agricultural and livestock potential, Namdas argued that Adamawa possesses the resources to become a major economic hub if properly managed.
“The availability of these mineral and agricultural resources inspired my decision to consider running for governor, as they present a clear pathway to meaningful progress for our people,” he said.
The governorship aspirant also highlighted his political and professional background as part of the credentials he intends to bring into the race.
Before venturing into politics, Namdas built a career in journalism before serving two terms in the House of Representatives where he rose to national prominence as the chamber’s spokesman.
He also served as deputy governorship candidate during the 2011 elections and has remained active in national politics since then.
Namdas traced his political journey to the Action Congress of Nigeria, one of the legacy parties that later merged to form the All Progressives Congress.
He described himself as a long-time student of President Tinubu’s political philosophy, noting that his association with the movement spans more than 15 years.
While unveiling his ambition, Namdas emphasized that the Iftar meeting was not meant to serve as a formal campaign launch but rather as a consultation with influential stakeholders.
Many of those present, he noted, were experienced politicians who had contested and won elections in the past and whose guidance would be crucial as he prepares for the political contest ahead.
“I recognize the caliber of individuals present here. Many of you have contested and won elections before, which means you are well-positioned to advise and support me,” he said.
With the 2027 election still two years away, Namdas’ early entry into the race is expected to trigger wider political consultations and alignments within Adamawa’s political class.
Analysts say the coming months could see more political heavyweights quietly positioning themselves for what may become one of the most competitive governorship contests in the state’s recent history.
For now, however, Namdas’ declaration has effectively fired the first public shot in the battle for the Adamawa Government House.
