Abdulrahman Bashir Haske, 35, has formally entered the race for Adamawa State governor on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, positioning himself as a private sector-driven candidate focused on wealth creation, agriculture, and accountable governance.
A business mogul with investments in agriculture, oil and gas, logistics, and technology, Haske says his candidacy is rooted in practical experience rather than political pedigree. He describes himself as a “local man from Adamawa” and a practicing farmer who understands the state’s challenges at the ward level.
Haske argues that Adamawa, which he calls a “government state,” needs corporate governance and resource management skills more than traditional politicking. He points to his work building a 48,000-ton rice mill and his broader portfolio across multiple sectors as evidence that he can scale solutions statewide.
He references leaders like former governors Saminu Turaki and Donald Duke, both of whom assumed office under 40, to push back against age-based skepticism. “I would rather be judged by my CV, my past experiences, and what I have built,” he said.
Central to Haske’s platform is reviving agriculture to reduce poverty and over-reliance on federal allocations. He proposes building large-scale food reserves in Adamawa to curb post-harvest losses and create value chains for local crops.
“One of the biggest challenges we have in Northern Nigeria is poverty,” he said. “If we create wealth, then we will have a sustainable society.” He cites Lagos and Ogun states as examples of sub-nationals that expanded their revenue base by fostering private wealth creation.
Haske rejects zoning as a criterion for leadership, calling it a sign of a backward democracy. He says he is a “cocktail of Adamawa,” with roots in the Central and Southern zones, and urges voters to prioritize competence and electability.
On the APC’s internal process, he says he supports consensus only if it reflects genuine popularity and the ability to win the general election. “Consensus is a negotiation, not a military rule,” he said, adding that he is willing to make the case that he is the party’s most sellable candidate.
On security, Haske says he is still studying the proposed state policing bill and remains neutral until he understands the implementation framework. He stresses that good policy means little without clear execution, and has called for a security trust fund to address immediate challenges in the North East.
Haske says his private sector background gives him a different approach to public finance. “In business, 1 Naira plus 1 Naira is supposed to be 2 Naira; it can never be 11 Naira,” he said. He pledges to run an administration focused on measurable results, field presence, and direct engagement with communities across Adamawa’s 226 wards.
He acknowledges public skepticism about young candidates but insists his track record and accessibility set him apart. “I am not coming into government to make wealth, I’m okay. It’s about giving back to the community.”
With the APC primary ahead, Haske says he is already mobilizing across generations and communities. He will release a detailed blueprint outlining his plans for agriculture, youth engagement, and economic growth.
For Haske, the campaign is less about warming a seat and more about presenting a plan. “What are you ready to present to the people of Adamawa State as a solution?” he asked. He believes the answer to that question will determine who leads the state next.
Post a Comment