A 35-year-old gubernatorial aspirant in Adamawa State, Abdulrahman Bashir Haske, on Saturday formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 election on the All Progressives Congress (APC). He unveiled an ambitious policy blueprint anchored on agriculture, infrastructure, youth inclusion and governance reforms.
Haske, who made the declaration at the Mahmud Ribadu Square in Yola, promised to build a N300 billion export-driven agricultural economy capable of creating one million jobs, while positioning the state as a major agro-industrial hub in Nigeria.
Addressing a large crowd that included party leaders, serving and former members of the State House of Assembly, and other stakeholders of the APC, the aspirant said his agenda—tagged A.D.A.M.A.W.A FIRST—would consolidate existing gains while introducing bold reforms.
He used the occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for “courageous and necessary reforms,” particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate adjustments, noting that Adamawa aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He acknowledged the contributions of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri while pledging continuity in areas of progress such as healthcare, infrastructure and fiscal discipline.
Central to Haske’s proposal is agriculture and agro-industry, with a target of a N300 billion export-grade economy. He pledged the establishment of a N200 billion Agricultural Guarantee Fund, alongside a “Great Canal Project” aimed at enabling year-round farming through irrigation.
He disclosed that his private sector experience has already translated into tangible investments, including a 48,000 tonnes-per-year rice mill that has generated over 5,000 jobs. “We will transform agriculture from subsistence to industrial scale, ensuring value addition, export competitiveness and mass employment,” he said.
Beyond agriculture, the aspirant promised to construct a minimum of 25 kilometres of roads annually in each local government area, expand renewable energy access, and ensure clean water supply across communities.
In the social sector, he pledged to rehabilitate 500 schools under a “Safe and Solar Schools Initiative,” recruit 3,000 STEM teachers, and expand health insurance coverage to one million residents within three years.
On governance, Haske vowed zero tolerance for corruption, promising digital tracking of public funds, open budgeting and equitable distribution of resources across all local government areas. He outlined plans for youth-focused policies, technology-driven governance, and a Public-Private Partnership framework to drive commerce and attract investors.
On security, the aspirant proposed the establishment of an Adamawa Security Trust Fund, deployment of technology-driven surveillance systems, and strengthening of vigilante partnerships, with a focus on resolving farmer-herder conflicts.
Highlighting the demographic strength of young people in the state, Haske said over 60 per cent of Adamawa’s population is under 30, stressing that leadership must reflect that reality. “Young Nigerians are no longer leaders of tomorrow; they are leaders of today,” he declared.
Speaking at the event, APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, commended the growing participation of young people in politics and reforms within the party to lower entry barriers. He revealed that the APC had introduced a 50 per cent discount on nomination forms for aspirants under 40, following advocacy for youth inclusion.
According to him, while he had initially pushed for free nomination forms for young aspirants, the party settled for a discounted framework to encourage participation. “It is our joy to see young people contesting for offices across Nigeria today. We have seen young lawmakers emerge and perform well, and we want to see more,” he said.
Israel noted that the turnout and mobilisation at Haske’s declaration demonstrated capacity and growing acceptance, adding that the ultimate decision would rest with the people of Adamawa. He urged party members and youths in the state to obtain their APC membership cards and voter cards ahead of the primaries, stressing that the party’s nomination process would remain open and competitive.
“What Haske has done is that he has made a chair and brought it to the table. The national chairman of the party has said anybody can buy form and if you truly believe that you love your brother and son, go and get the APC membership card and voters card to show your true love. You are a young man and we want to see more of you and to encourage you to continue the good work you are doing and we won’t disappoint you,” he said.
