Mischievous Things?

By Danjuma Sarki

The Nasarawa 2027 governorship race has increasingly been clouded by allegations of misinformation and politically motivated narratives. More troubling is the claim that a senator , in a desperate attempt to secure the APC gubernatorial ticket, has resorted to sponsoring fake news suggesting that former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, is pushing to replace his friend and former colleague, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as National Security Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Such claims not only misrepresent the facts but also appear designed to create unnecessary friction among respected leaders who have worked together in the national interest.

Across all 13 Local Government Areas and 147 political wards in Nasarawa State, whenever the 2027 gubernatorial race is mentioned, one name consistently dominates the conversation: former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu. From community leaders to party stakeholders, youth groups, and grassroots mobilizers, the growing support reflects a surge in popularity that continues to gain momentum across the state.

This rising acceptance explains why his supporters and critical stakeholders are strongly advocating for direct primaries. Their position is anchored on confidence in his widespread grassroots appeal and the belief that a transparent, people-driven process will reflect the true will of party members. Direct primaries, in their view, provide a level playing field and allow the masses to determine their preferred candidate without manipulation or backroom arrangements.

On the other hand, those who are reluctant to test their popularity before the electorate continue to hide behind zoning arguments and consensus arrangements. While zoning can be a legitimate political tool, it should not be used as a shield by individuals who fear open competition. Democracy thrives on participation, fairness, and credibility, not selective arrangements designed to sideline popular candidates.

Predictably, the old tactics have resurfaced. There is now a renewed wave of misinformation and deliberate attempts to mislead the public. One such claim being circulated is that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is planning to replace NSA Mallam Nuhu Ribadu with retired IGP Mohammed Adamu. This narrative is not only baseless but also a calculated attempt to distract from the real political conversation in Nasarawa State.

These strategies: spreading rumors, promoting fake news, and attempting to create divisions between long-standing friends and colleagues, have been used before and have consistently failed. Reducing the quest for good governance to propaganda and Tik Tok content creation, does not address the real issues affecting the people, nor does it present any credible alternative vision for leadership. The people of Nasarawa are increasingly politically aware and focused on competence, capacity, and track record.

IGP Mohammed Adamu remains focused on his aspiration to lead Nasarawa State. As a seasoned security professional, he understands the importance of stability, continuity, and effective governance. He strongly supports the ongoing efforts of NSA Nuhu Ribadu and encourages him to continue the good work in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture. He also aligns with and supports President Tinubu’s commitment to improving national security, noting that sustained collaboration and continuity are essential for consolidating the gains already being recorded. His experience in managing complex national security challenges further positions him to contribute to peace, stability, and the creation of an enabling environment for development in Nasarawa State and Nigeria as a whole.

IGP Adamu’s supporters believe his leadership would prioritize unity, grassroots inclusion, and sustainable development. They argue that Nasarawa needs a leader with national exposure, administrative experience, and the capacity to work with federal institutions for the benefit of the state.

As the gubernatorial primaries draw closer, those uncomfortable with facing the electorate are moving helter-skelter, attempting to divert attention from the real issues. However, the path to leadership in a democratic system remains clear: engage the people, present your vision, and earn their mandate.

If anyone desires to lead Nasarawa State, the most credible route is through the masses, not through shortcuts, not through propaganda, misinformation, fake news, and certainly not through crooked political maneuvers. The people deserve the right to choose, and democracy must be allowed to take its full course.

Danjuma Sarki writes from Lafia, Nasarawa State.