From Tom Garba, Yola
What began as traditional Sallah celebrations in Yola transformed into a resounding show of support for Dr. Salihu Girie Bakari, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant for 2027, as high-profile endorsements poured in from across the state.
Dr. Bakari, a seasoned educationist, former Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB), ex-Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Higher Education, and current Director of Research and Development/Centres of Excellence at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in Abuja, leveraged the festive period to engage extensively with stakeholders, citizens, and community leaders.
The highlight was a powerful endorsement from former Education Secretaries representing all 21 local government areas of Adamawa State.
They hailed Dr. Bakari as an outstanding educationist and administrator who has built a formidable political and professional network over the years through dedicated service.
Shuaibu Alhaji Yahaya Gombi, former Education Secretary for Gombi Local Government, described him as “a leader you cannot forget in the education sector an excellent leader, team player, and master of supervision.”
He added, “He will turn Adamawa upside down if we give him the opportunity,” crediting Bakari’s visionary tenure at ADSUBEB for transformative reforms in infrastructure, teacher employment, training, and provision of furniture across primary and secondary schools statewide.
Augustine Ayuba, another former Education Secretary and ex-Commissioner for Border Integration, Youth, and Sports from Toungo Local Government, praised Bakari as “a peg in a round hole” with unmatched capacity to “change the narrative” and “recreate history” in Adamawa.
”The quality of an educationist dwells in him he always carries everyone along with a listening ear. He will govern Adamawa to the envy of all,” Ayuba declared, recalling how Bakari created over 1,000 employment vacancies in Toungo, a historically underserved area, while serving as a logistics manager.
A delegation of former Permanent Secretaries visited Dr. Bakari’s residence in Yola during Sallah greetings, pledging unwavering loyalty and readiness to support his vision to become the next governor.
They affirmed him as “the most qualified” and committed to rallying behind him to strengthen and reposition APC as the dominant force in the state.
In a vibrant display of grassroots solidarity, women leaders from the Chamba communities in Ganye, Jada, and Toungo dressed in colorful traditional attire stormed his home to declare their full support.
They vowed to back Dr. Bakari irrespective of other aspirants from the Ganye Chiefdom, emphasizing his inclusive approach and proven track record.
The endorsements come amid growing momentum for Dr. Bakari’s “Adamawa Transformation Mission,” which focuses on security, education, health, economic vibrancy, peace, prosperity, and equal opportunities for all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender.
His extensive experience; from SUBEB reforms that earned him the moniker “Ambassador of Education” to high-level roles at TETFund—has positioned him as a standout among 2027 APC contenders.
As political activities intensify in Adamawa ahead of the 2027 elections, the Sallah interactions signal strong cross-sectional backing for Dr. Bakari, with supporters dubbing him “He’s the Man” for the state’s future leadership.
Dr. Bakari has not issued a formal response to the endorsements at the time of this report, but sources close to his movement indicate the outpouring has further energized his campaign.
’He’s the man’: Adamawa bigwigs back Bakari’s governorship bid as Sallah shindig turns to campaign rally
