Rebecca Gapsiso, Golfa Saiku, Yola
A leading governorship aspirant in Adamawa State, Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, has outlined an expansive reform blueprint centred on education, economic diversification and social welfare, as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during an interview with Voice of Nigeria in Jimeta-Yola, the educationist and former public administrator presented himself as a candidate with deep-rooted knowledge of the state, stressing his extensive connections across multiple local government areas and his long-standing service in key positions at both state and federal levels.
Dr. Bakari, who hails from Girei Local Government Area, said his experience as Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, had given him a comprehensive understanding of governance at the grassroots.
He cited major achievements in the education sector, including the construction of over 5,500 classrooms, the establishment of 170 primary schools and 90 junior secondary schools, as well as the provision of free school uniforms to pupils across the state.
Dr. Bakari also highlighted planed initiatives that would lead to the employment and promotion of thousands of teachers.
“My name is not new. If I speak once, my voice will resonate, because of what we have done and the impact we have made across all the 226 political wards.”
Positioned as a key aspirant under the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Bakari has reportedly drawn support from political stakeholders and former office holders who view him as a reform-driven technocrat.
Education at the Core
Central to his campaign is what he described as a “Covenant Document” a ten-point agenda with education as its top priority.
Dr. Bakari pledged to overhaul primary and secondary education, promising improved infrastructure, better teacher welfare and a curriculum geared towards functional literacy and global competitiveness.
Notably, he committed to increasing teachers’ salaries by at least 50 per cent within his first year in office and doubling retirees’ benefits.
Drawing from his experience at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, Dr. Bakari also vowed to reposition higher institutions in the state towards research and innovation capable of driving economic growth.
Economic Diversification and Job Creation
Dr. Bakari outlined plans to build a “vibrant, self-sustaining economy” that reduces dependence on federal allocations, proposing large-scale investment in agriculture, with a focus on mechanisation, irrigation and agro-processing industries to curb post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ incomes.
He also announced plans to establish innovation hubs and entrepreneurship centres aimed at equipping young people with skills for private sector opportunities.
The initiative, he said, would be supported by enterprise grants and financial literacy programmes, with a target of shifting youth preference from government employment to entrepreneurship within five years.
Energy, Infrastructure and Natural Resources
The aspirant further revealed an ambitious energy plan, including the revival of the long-abandoned hydropower project and expansion of solar and off-grid solutions to support industrial growth.
He noted that Adamawa is rich in natural and mineral resources, pledging to promote local processing and value addition to enhance internally generated revenue.
Health and Social Welfare
On healthcare, Dr. Bakari proposed the establishment of functional maternity centres in every ward, alongside free medical services for children under five, pregnant women up to one year after childbirth, and the elderly.
He described maternal mortality as a personal concern, referencing past family losses and vowing to prioritise the safety of mothers and newborns.
Rural Development and Water Supply
Highlighting disparities in rural infrastructure, he criticised the lack of access to potable water in several communities and promised targeted investments to address the challenge, including harnessing nearby water bodies for supply schemes.
The Adamawa State Gubernatorial Aspirant emphasised that, if voted into office, his administration would prioritise rural development over “cosmetic urban projects”.
Security and Social Cohesion
On security, Dr. Bakari pointed to his role in preventing insurgent incursions into the state during his tenure as commissioner, noting his collaboration with security agencies and traditional institutions.
He pledged to strengthen community-based security systems, empower traditional rulers and deploy modern technology to tackle emerging threats.
Dr. Bakari said his approach would also include job creation and social integration programmes to address the root causes of insecurity.
A Reform-Oriented Bid
Widely regarded by supporters as a competent administrator with a strong policy background, Dr. Bakari’s entry into the race is expected to shape the political landscape in Adamawa as parties begin early positioning for 2027.
