From Joseph Adahnu, Yola
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has consolidated his grip on Adamawa politics by securing a decisive victory for his All Progressives Congress (APC), in a contested Ganye constituency bye-election saying he’s a political force over PDP, led by governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
The APC, scored 15,923 to emerge winner of the keenly contested election while PDP scored 15,794 leaving a thin margin of only 129 votes.
The poll which was tightly contested, tested the strength between Ribadu and Governor Fintiri of the PDP, ended with the APC’s candidate, Misa Musa Jauro, emerging victorious.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) returning officer, Prof. Tukur Ahmed, declared Jauro duly elected, bringing to an end weeks of fierce rivalry and intense campaigns and asserting APC as the main factor in 2027 general election in Adamawa State.
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The bye-election was not only tense but also highly competitive across the 10 wards of the constituency. In Gamu Ward, the APC won with 1,391 votes to the PDP’s 1,034. The PDP bounced back in Ganye 2 Ward, where it claimed victory with 2,253 votes against the APC’s 2,202.
The contest later morphed into split victories across different wards. The PDP dominated in Sangassumi Ward with 1,790 votes to APC’s 1,592 and in Sugu Ward, where it led with 1,411 against 1,057. However, the APC regained momentum in Jaggu Ward, pulling 1,001 votes over PDP’s 750, and in Timdore Ward, one of its strongholds, where it amassed 2,698 against PDP’s 2,491.
Gurumpawo Ward tilted narrowly to the APC, with 1,384 votes to PDP’s 1,328, while Yebbi Ward went the other way, giving PDP 1,530 against APC’s 1,491. In Bakari Guso Ward, the PDP held sway with 1,057 votes scored 2,252 votes against PDP’s 2,150, a margin that sealed its overall lead.
Alhough the victory margin was slim, its implications reverberated across Adamawa politics. Analysts say the outcome reflects Ribadu’s growing influence and strategic grip on grassroots mobilization within his home base.
However, many analysts are of the view that the election mirrors the growing influence and acceptability of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, whose leadership impact is felt across the length and breath of Adamawa State.
”This bye-election was more than just about filling a vacant assembly seat; it mirrors the growing influence and political relevance of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as battle for power consolidation ahead of 2027 general elections gains momentum.
”While the PDP still demonstrated strength in several wards, the APC’s ability to slay the ruling party in the state, despite Fintiri’s incumbency advantage, is a symbolic triumph,” an analyst, Sabiu Mohammed said.
