A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, Abdulrahman Haske, has cautioned party leaders against imposing candidates under the guise of consensus ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during a media interaction, Haske said consensus remains a valid option in party politics but must come through dialogue, consultation, and agreement among stakeholders, not imposition.
He stressed that popularity and electability should guide the emergence of candidates, noting that aspirants must be properly assessed even in a consensus arrangement.
“Consensus is an engagement; it is not something that should be forced. It must reflect agreement and support from those involved,” he said.
Focus on Popularity, Not Imposition
Haske referenced the leadership approach of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that grassroots support and political relevance are critical factors in candidate selection within the ruling party.
He dismissed concerns about his age, insisting that meeting the requirements of the Electoral Act qualifies him to contest.
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According to him, no aspirant should be handed a ticket without proper evaluation, especially in a competitive political environment.
Confidence Amid Party Permutations
His comments come as multiple aspirants are reportedly positioning themselves for the APC ticket in Adamawa, raising expectations of a keenly contested primary.
Despite the uncertainty, Haske expressed confidence in his chances, stating that he remains competitive under any selection process.
“I may not be the anointed candidate, but I can be the people’s choice. Once the people unite behind a candidate, manipulation becomes difficult,” he added.
Economic Vision Anchored on Agriculture
The 35-year-old aspirant outlined plans to drive economic growth through agriculture, describing it as a sustainable path to reducing poverty in the state.
He proposed investments in agricultural value chains and systems to minimise post-harvest losses, drawing from his background in agribusiness, including rice production.
Haske also questioned why northern states like Adamawa are not positioning themselves as major food reserve hubs despite their production capacity.
Call for Wealth Creation, Not Dependence
While backing the economic reforms of the current administration, he acknowledged the hardship faced by citizens and urged subnational governments to focus on wealth creation.
According to him, empowering citizens economically would reduce dependence on government support and improve living standards.
“A hungry child cannot go to school. Creating opportunities is key to building a sustainable society,” he said.
State Policing
On security, particularly in the North-East, Haske said he is yet to take a firm position on state policing, noting that implementation remains a major concern in Nigeria’s policy framework.
“We have good policies, but implementation is often the challenge. I am still studying how state policing will work,” he noted.
Background and Governance Approach
Haske linked his political ambition to personal experiences, including being raised by his mother after losing his father early in life.
He promised transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance if elected, arguing that individuals with independent financial backgrounds are more likely to serve without seeking personal gain.
“I am not coming into government to make money; I am coming to serve,” he said, adding that young professionals should be trusted with leadership roles.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.