Haske picks Adamawa governorship nomination form, commends Tinubu for open primary

Businessman and philanthropist, Abdulrahman Bashir Haske, has formally joined the race for the Adamawa State governorship after obtaining the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Haske picked the forms on Tuesday at the Continental Hotel, Abuja, alongside four other aspirants seeking the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 election.

The exercise attracted a large number of supporters and party faithful, who expressed confidence in his aspiration.

The development came days after Haske publicly declared his intention to contest the governorship election during a political gathering held in Yola on Saturday, April 25.

Speaking shortly after collecting the forms, Haske commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring what he described as a level-playing field for all aspirants within the party.

He described the President as a true democrat committed to fairness, inclusivity, and the strengthening of internal democracy in the APC.

Haske also praised the party’s leadership and the National Working Committee for conducting what he called a transparent and credible nomination process that encourages broad participation, especially among young people.

Highlighting the impact of the Not Too Young to Run Act, 2018, he said its implementation marked significant progress in Nigeria’s democratic development.

According to him, as a beneficiary of the policy, he received a N20 million reduction, representing a 50 per cent waiver, on his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.

He said the waiver reflected a practical commitment to youth inclusion in politics.

Haske dismissed speculation about the possible imposition of a consensus candidate, saying the President had demonstrated democratic leadership by allowing all aspirants to participate freely in the primary process.

“Today, the President has proven to the world that he is a true democrat by allowing everyone to participate freely and demonstrate their strength,” he said.

He also called on young Nigerians to move beyond political spectatorship and become active participants in governance and leadership contests.

“My message to young Nigerians, not only in Adamawa but across the country, is to participate actively and to compete. We are capable, prepared, and ready to lead,” he said.

Haske acknowledged the roles of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, APC stakeholders, and party officials in Adamawa State, led by the party chairman, Alhaji Hamza Bello, for supporting what he described as a credible and inclusive process.

He added that consultations across communities in the state showed strong public demand for purposeful leadership, economic growth, and inclusive governance.

According to him, the consultations informed the unveiling of his A.D.A.M.A.W.A First Agenda, a seven-point blueprint aimed at addressing the state’s economic, social, and security challenges while promoting sustainable development.