Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, Presidential Adviser on Political Matters, has stated that Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), cannot become Nigeria's president. Masari made this declaration in Dutse, Jigawa State, citing Atiku's desperation for power. This statement comes as over 2,000 academics of Jigawa origin from various tertiary institutions unanimously passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State.
The Jigawa Academics Forum (JAF), comprising lecturers from within and outside Jigawa State, attributed their decision to the superlative performances of both the President and the state governor. The academics' endorsement was preceded by sectoral presentations highlighting the achievements of the Namadi administration in various sectors, including education, health, agriculture, and rural development. The forum's Chairman, Prof. Haruna Abdullahi Birniwa, summarized the opinions of the academics, noting their satisfaction with the current government's performance.
The Jigawa Academics Forum's endorsement of President Tinubu and Governor Namadi was a significant development, with the academics vowing to actively push for their re-election in the 2027 elections. The forum attracted the participation of dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Engr Aminu Usman Gumel, and Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr Hamza Rabe Dharma. Masari welcomed the endorsement, describing it as an acknowledgement of the efforts of both the President and Governor Namadi.
Masari downplayed the impact of Atiku's campaign, noting that he would go nowhere. He described Atiku as a "joker" and stated that desperation would not give him what he wanted. Atiku had criticized Tinubu's economic policies and resolved to dislodge the President in the 2027 general elections. In response, Governor Namadi welcomed the endorsement of his administration, noting that it would spur them to do more for the people.
Governor Namadi reviewed progress in various sectors, including power, investment, employment, and environmental protection. He disclosed that the state's internally generated revenue had recorded significant growth, with average monthly IGR rising from ₦1.1 billion in 2023 to over ₦5.2 billion in 2025. The governor outlined the next phase of his administration, which would focus on completing ongoing programmes, establishing successful reforms, and institutionalizing evidence-based policies.
The governor's 12-Point Agenda complements President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in food security, economic diversification, livelihoods, infrastructure renewal, and human capital development. The governor highlighted federal interventions in various sectors, including agriculture, education, and social protection, that were supporting development efforts in Jigawa. The state's renewable energy initiatives and investment facilitation efforts were also noted.
The endorsement of President Tinubu and Governor Namadi by the Jigawa Academics Forum is seen as a boost to their re-election bids in 2027. Masari hoped that the vote of confidence would spur the leaders to put in greater efforts and raise the bar of governance. The development has also been seen as a setback for Atiku's presidential ambitions, with Masari's statement reaffirming the challenges he faces in his bid to become Nigeria's president.
Key points
- Presidential adviser Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru Masari says Atiku Abubakar's desperation for power makes it impossible for him to become Nigeria's president.
- Over 2,000 academics from Jigawa State have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umar Namadi for re-election in 2027.
- The Jigawa Academics Forum's endorsement was based on the superlative performances of both the President and the state governor in various sectors.
