Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has called on members of the Igbo community residing in the state to back President Bola Tinubu alongside the All Progressives Congress governorship flagbearer, Tijjani Galadima.
Fintiri made the appeal during this year’s Igbo Day celebration in Yola, where he also called for the formal recognition of the Igbo community as one of Adamawa State’s major ethnic groups.
The governor said the community’s population and contributions to the state’s economic and social development justified greater recognition and inclusion in its affairs.
He also commended members of the Igbo community for supporting his administration, noting their role in promoting commercial activities and contributing to the state’s development.
Fintiri called for greater appreciation of Adamawa’s ethnic diversity, stressing the importance of ensuring that all communities feel recognised and included.
The celebration began with a church service attended by Igbo residents from the state’s 21 local government areas.
Delivering the sermon, the Archbishop of St John’s Anglican Church, Bishop Marcus Anifami, called on Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence regardless of their ethnic, religious or political differences.
Anifami also urged the Federal Government to strengthen security nationwide ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying a peaceful environment was essential for citizens to exercise their democratic rights.
After the service, members of the community gathered at Ribadu Square in Yola for cultural performances and displays celebrating Igbo heritage and traditions.
The APC governorship candidate, Tijjani Galadima, also addressed the gathering, while other speakers emphasised unity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among the state’s diverse communities.
They urged residents to sustain the spirit of cooperation, noting that harmonious relationships among ethnic groups were crucial to Adamawa’s social and economic development.
The celebration also provided an opportunity for Igbo community leaders to renew calls for greater recognition, inclusion and participation in the state’s political affairs as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
What You Should Know
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri made the appeal during the Igbo Day celebration in Yola, where he also advocated for the official recognition of the Igbo population as a major ethnic group in Adamawa State, citing their vital economic and social contributions.
- Positive Impact: Fosters greater political inclusion, ethnic harmony, and stronger cooperation between local administrations and minority residents.
- Potential Concerns: Politically charged endorsements ahead of election cycles can sometimes heighten regional tensions or create divisions among diverse local communities.
